The Youth Hostel Association (YHA) has warned that losses to inbound tourism caused by foot and mouth may lead to substantial closures of many of its hostels.

The charity's income has been cut by almost £10m due to the tourism slump, and chief executive Roger Clarke has warned that the organisation may be forced to sell a 'significant number' of its 230 properties in England and Wales.

Speaking on Radio 4's World at One programme, Clarke pleaded to the government for further funding after business dropped by 30 per cent: Inevitably, we are going to have to sell some of our properties in order to realise the assets. It is going to be a significant number of hostels - we want to keep it to a minimum.

Meanwhile more than 1,000 miles of footpaths have were reopened this week, five months after their closure due to the disease.

The reopening of the rural pathways comes in time for Tony Blair and his family to enjoy a week's holiday in the West Country after their Mexican holiday next week.