More country footpaths around Brighton and Hove will open in a relaxation of restrictions imposed due to foot-and-mouth disease.

Brighton and Hove City Council said some 38 per cent of the network -25 to 30 miles - opened in time for Easter following talks with farmers on land adjoining paths.

Mike Middleton, lead councillor for open spaces, said: "Tourism is a vital part of our economy, so where there is no veterinary need to keep paths closed we have opened them, after talking to farmers where necessary.

"The situation is under constant review and it is possible that more paths will be open very soon after farmers are consulted."

East and West Sussex county councils are yet to open any paths.

Stanmer Park will remain closed but Waterhall is open and Saturday's under-16s England v Italy rugby international will go ahead.

Braypool playing fields are open but the surrounding footpaths are closed and the council asks dog owners not to walk their pets on the playing fields due to livestock nearby.

Most of Brighton and Hove's paths north of the A27 bypass remain closed.

Walkers should always check signs on the spot and not use paths still barred.

Some, but not all, of the city's paths north of Rottingdean and near the windmill are open, as are those round Wick Bottom, Mount Pleasant, through Sheepcote Valley and round the racecourse.

Falmer Hill is open and so too is the path south of the A27 from Patcham to Hollingbury.

The paths alongside Woodland Avenue and Mill Road are open and the over-cliff walk from Brighton Marina to Rottingdean are also open, but walkers should take note of restrictions due to cliff falls.

Paths north-west of Woodingdean remain shut as do those linking Woodingdean and Rottingdean.

All of Brighton and Hove's main attractions are open.