People in Shepton Mallet are being urged to use the countryside responsibly this Easter to ensure farmers can continue to do their vital work to keep providing food during the coronavirus pandemic.

Rural insurer NFU Mutual is encouraging walkers and runners to keep to footpaths and for dog owners to keep their pets under control as they are expected to take to the countryside during their permitted daily exercise this Bank Holiday weekend.

Andrew Smith, senior agent at NFU Mutual Bath which is based in Stratton-on-the-Fosse, said: "While the nation is relying on our farmers to keep providing food during the pandemic, the public can do their bit and keep to footpaths and allow farmers to do their work safely and efficiently.

"Keeping dogs under control is also vital to reduce livestock attacks, particularly as we are in peak lambing season.

"We'd of course encourage everyone to observe the Government's social distancing and exercise guidelines, not travelling unless absolutely necessary and staying home wherever possible."

A survey of dog owners commissioned by NFU Mutual revealed that 63 per cent of dog owners are letting their pets roam free in the countryside, despite half admitting their dog doesn't always come back when called.

With many families expected to head into the countryside as part of their daily exercise from home during school Easter holidays, NFU Mutual is issuing the following advice:

- Keep to footpaths when out walking and running, leave all gates as you find them, and follow all signage in the countryside.

- Always keep dogs on the lead when walking in rural areas where livestock are kept.

- Be aware that even small lap dogs can attack and kill farm animals.

- Report attacks by dogs and sightings of dogs roaming the countryside to local farmers or the police.

- Don't let dogs loose in gardens adjoining livestock fields – many attacks are caused by dogs which escape and attack sheep grazing nearby.