FOOTPATHS across the county are set to be restored thanks to a £500,000 investment.

Hampshire County Council has announced that £500,000 will be invested to repair the county's most popular footpaths.

The funding was approved at Councillor Edward Heron's Decision Day meeting on March 19 and comes after months of wet weather and an increase in visits to the countryside during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The repair works will now take place over the next six months, prioritising popular routes that have been most affected by wet conditions and increased use, as well as areas in "sensitive" habitats.

The county council is currently finalising the details of the recovery programme to identify which paths will be prioritised for repair with work expected to start in May.

Executive Member for Recreation, Heritage, Countryside and Rural Affairs, Cllr Heron, said: "Many walking and cycling routes have seen a boost in popularity over the last year as more people have been heading into the countryside.

"This significant increase in use, combined with one of the wettest winters on record, means some well-trodden paths need repair work to improve their condition."