ALL footpaths in the Yorkshire Dales National Park are open for the first time since the foot-and-mouth crisis swept the region last spring.

Ninety-nine per cent of routes have been open since the New Year, with only a handful which pass through farmyards affected by ongoing restrictions.

However, bosses have confirmed all closures have now been lifted, ending the worst crisis to hit the Dales since the park was created in 1954.

Head of management Jon Avison said: "The announcement is more symbolic than anything else. However, it is a very important landmark, which draws a line under the terrible events of last year."