THE historic country house at Cotehele, closed since the start of the foot and mouth crisis, is re-opening this weekend.

The quay, garden and house will open on Saturday. However, public rights of way criss-crossing the surrounding agricultural estate will remain closed, by order of the county council.

National Trust property manager Lewis Eynon said other orders restricting access to the Danescombe Valley and the Prospect Tower would also remain in place as animals return to the spring pastures.

He said: 'While we were all very keen to open our doors at the end of March as planned, the fact that we are in a restricted area and so close to two outbreaks in West Devon concerned some of our tenants and neighbours. We needed to measure this against our original plans and, with the support of the Trust as a whole, took the decision to defer opening until there was a greater confidence.'

Cornwall County Council said it was hoping to have the paths open in time for the next Bank Holiday — May Day on Monday May 7.