Anyone who has seen pictures of funeral pyres in Scotland, Cumbria and Devon knows how terrible foot-and-mouth disease can be.

Sussex has been fortunate in avoiding it so far, but it has still had a grievous effect on parts of the rural economy.

Because much of the countryside is closed, people have not been visiting farm parks, forests or been rambling on the Downs.

Now the Government has launched a campaign to say Britain is still open for business and the countryside still largely accessible.

The initial reaction to foot-and-mouth was far too strong. There's no reason why people should not walk in large areas of the countryside provided they do not go to farms where there are animals.

More relaxation of restrictions is needed, along with campaigns by councils telling people exactly where they can or cannot go.

By doing this, the authorities can help people enjoy the delights of the countryside in the spring and aid rural tourist attractions.