POLICE who challenged walkers who had driven to the New Forest to exercise have again warned people against taking unnecessary journeys.

Patrolling officers from New Milton police discovered three vehicles parked outside the closed barriers at Holmsley Walk on Thursday.

When they spoke to the drivers they found out they all lived in the Bransgore area and could have exercised from their homes.

"The drivers and their passengers were reminded that they had plenty of safe opportunities to exercise from their home address and that travelling to the forest to then exercise was not essential travel, which they accepted it wasn't" said a spokesman for New Milton Cops.

"I know it is a controversial topic, with many people saying that they can go to the forest or the beaches, to exercise away from others due to the size of those areas.

"However, the Forest and coastal car parks are shut for a reason, which is to indicate to people that travel to these areas for exercise/dog walking, is unnecessary. These are unprecedented times and everyone is being asked to only use their vehicles for essential travel."

The spokesman added: "This is short term pain for a long term gain."