Warm weather is forecast to continue over the Bank Holiday weekend - but tourism in rural areas is unlikely to reap the full benefits.

The English Tourism Council (ETC) said almost 80 per cent of rural footpaths are still closed because of foot-and-mouth.

A council spokesman said: "The pattern over the last two bank holidays has been for people to go to the seaside, or particular attractions like Alton Towers.

"Some of these places are doing better than normal, but in rural areas bookings are still down, by as much as 50 per cent in some areas.

"The good weather will help, but most people are making day-trips rather than staying a few nights."

The ETC welcomed new Government guidelines for local authorities to follow when considering whether to relax restrictions.

The guidelines state that restrictions should only apply to "infected premises and agricultural land and premises within 3km" (1.86 miles).

Councils would be "justified in reopening all paths, bridleways and open land outside of the 3km protection zones".

The best of the weather will be in eastern areas, and temperatures should climb as high as 23C (73F)

l A significant number of footpaths on the Lake District fells will be reopened on June 9. Cumbria County Council is due to announce details today.

Farmers have held a series of meetings with representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Farmers' Union to work out the safest way to reopen the walks, including those at Helvellyn Massif, High Street, Coniston Fells, Sea Fell, the Western Fells and North Western Fells.

Ramblers will still have to take precautionary measures.