The highest chalk cliff in Britain was today reopened to walkers after being put off limits as part of foot-and-mouth precautions.

The cliff walk along Beachy Head has been out of bounds for walkers for more than a month.

But now officials at Eastbourne Borough Council have decided to reopen the popular site after being satisfied that the disease posed no immediate risk to livestock in the area.

Council leader Graham Marsden said: "We will continue to monitor the situation closely but have no wish to restrict visitors to the area unnecessarily."

He said some areas of surrounding downland would remain closed.

A council spokesman said: "There are currently no known cases of foot-and-mouth disease in Sussex and it is crucial for the safety of livestock and livelihoods of local farmers that restrictions are adhered to in an attempt to ensure this remains the case."

A leaflet with details of nine walks around Eastbourne is available from the Tourism Information Office in Cornfield Road, Eastbourne.