NORTH Yorkshire received a hugely welcome New Year present when most foot and mouth restrictions were lifted as the clock struck midnight. Cumbria and Co Durham were also declared disease free.

Although there will still be some movement restrictions on farms which did have the disease, and farmers will still need licences to move stock, it means that they can now take animals to market.

The decision is good news for walkers, too. The Yorkshire Dales National Park re-opened many footpaths in the north and west of the park for Christmas and similar action expected in the Settle-Skipton area within days.

Northumberland remains the only restricted county in the UK.