Dog walkers are free to explore more parts of the picturesque Himley Park after restrictions on a small part of the open space were lifted for the winter.

For the past few years dogs have been banned from a small part of the park so that people can enjoy picnics and games.

But the restriction has been lifted for the winter period meaning dog walkers can take in more of the site.

The measures will come back into force from April 1 next year.

Signs are being added to the park to inform visitors of the changes for the winter period.

But from April 1 next year dogs will again be restricted from a small part of the open space as the warmer weather brings more families and picnickers to the park.

The measures were introduced in 2016 after a temporary dog free zone was introduced and a survey of 251 park visitors found 78 per cent said they were in favour of the dog free area.