Bradford farmers have been given the all-clear to spray slurry on their land.

The change in rules means farmers can spray the manure and animal waste water mix so long as they follow guidelines.

Ministry of Agriculture guidelines say the slurry has to be produced by animals on the farms where it is be spread, with the jet is facing down and no more than a metre above the ground.

Richard Wixey, the council's director of environmental protection, said: "This is good news for farmers who are having such a hard time at the moment.

"However, it is important that they follow the guidelines to make sure they are doing everything possible to contain the spread of foot and mouth."

They were banned after the disease outbreak as slurry from infected animals could release the disease into the air. Meanwhile Bradford Council has released a list of areas still closed to the public as the crisis continues to escalate.

They are: Ilkley Moor, Rombalds Moor, Baildon Moor, Baildon Green, Shipley Glen, Harden Moor, Penistone Hill, Haworth Moor, Keighley Moor, the "Bronte Moors" west of Keighley, most Council-owned woodlands and most of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and Littlemoor Park in Queensbury.

Public footpaths and bridleways are closed where they pass through or lead to agricultural land, commons, open grazing land and moorland.

Recreation areas and Council-owned woodlands are also closed where they either contain livestock or wildlife such as deer and where they have access to grazing land or farm buildings.

For information about canal towpaths restrictions call British Waterways on 01923 201120.