THREE further cases were announced on Wednesday, including another case in Rathmell where 335 cattle and 297 sheep are to be slaughtered, a case at Farnhill where 650 sheep have already been slaughtered, and another the other case near Thirsk.

This brings the total number of cases in Yorkshire to 123 from the UK total of 1870.

Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael has announced that from midnght tonight, many of the remaining blanket closures of public rights of way in England will be revoked.

Said Mr Michael "This move will make it much easier for people to know which paths remain open and which remain shut. And it will speed up the re-opening process. It is a clear signal that most of the countryside is well and truly open for visitors and for business.

"Further revocations will take effect from next Friday (July 27), and approaching 85% of rights of way should be open again for people to use during the summer holidays and beyond."

However, despite requests by DEFRA to proceed with their proposals for substantial re-opening, North Yorkhshire County Council sought exemption from revocation for specific areas where foot-and-mouth disease remained active.

The Council revealed that footpath closures in North Yorkshire had been imposed under different powers from those which Ministers had announced their intention to revoke and there it is not possible to revoke rights of way closures in North Yorkshire as proposed. However, meetings are set to take place this morning the discuss the issues involved in reopening footpaths in the area.