THE final link in one of Britain's longest paths has been opened at Kilve.

Colonel Sir Walter Luttrell, former High Sheriff and Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, who's home at Court House, East Quantoxhead is passed by the West Somerset Coast Path, declared the path open.

Sarah Littler, Somerset County Council's rights of way maintenance and development manager, said: "The spectacular and diverse nature of the Somerset Coastline has long been an asset for tourism and the development of the coast path will provide benefits for walkers and local businesses alike."

The path links the River Parrett Trail at Steart to the South West Coast Path National Trail at Minehead.

For brave and seasoned walkers it is now possible to walk some 640 miles around the South West peninsula coast, more than twice the distance of the Pennine Way.

The West Somerset Coast Path was created to help regenerate the local economy following the foot and mouth crisis of 2001.