PARTS of the Malvern Hills are to be opened up to the public - but strict guidelines must be followed to ensure there is no risk of spreading foot-and-mouth disease.

The northern Hills, including the Worcestershire Beacon, will be open at the weekend.

But the Hills south of the Wyche Cutting will still be off-limits.

Malvern Hills Conservators, which maintains the Hills, has worked with Government agencies and carried out risk assessments.

These consultations have concluded that it would be safe to open the northern Hills.

"There will be safety measures in place such as foot-baths for walkers and we ask that all local people and visitors abide by all rules and read all information signs very carefully," said David Whitehorne, conservation officer for the Malvern Hills Conservators.

The opening of the Hills will be on an experimental basis with the situation monitored on a day-to-day basis.

"It's good to see a part of the Hills reopened, however, it's essential that everyone using the area strictly follow the rules laid down," said Ian Bamforth, countryside manager for Worcestershire County Council.

"It is also important that people obey closed signs and do not use any footpaths and bridle-ways in the wider countryside beyond the Hills."

Car parks at Beacon Road, Earnslaw Quarry, North Malvern and Tank Quarry will be open for people visiting the Hills.