Rural tourism will benefit from the opening up of the longest stretch of England's coastline, says the government.

Work is now underway to open up half of England's coastline as part of wider government plans to complete a path around the whole of the English coast.

The announcement by Defra minister Rory Stewart marks the latest milestone in the delivery of one of the world's longest walkways.

    See also: Coastal path 'will benefit economies'

The England Coast Path will stretch out across 2700 miles of stunning walking routes covering 100% of the country.

Already families can explore 101 miles of the coastline via the England Coast Path in Cumbria, Durham, Dorset and Norfolk.

A further 95 miles of new routes are set to open in Kent and Somerset in the spring.

The government said iit was We are working closely with Natural England to build on the progress already made - with the aim of completing the coastal path around England by 2020.

Tourism is hugely important to the rural economy, contributing around £11 billion each year.

By attracting even more visitors to explore the coastline, the government expects the England Coast Path to benefit even more local businesses.

Mr Stewart said: "As an historic seafaring nation, a deep connection with our coastline is an integral part of our national identity.

"None of us lives further than about 75 miles from the sea, and most of us live much closer.

"So it's vital to our ongoing relationship with our countryside that the public has easy access to our outstanding coastline."

Local tourism had already benefited from the opening up miles of the coastline for everyone to enjoy, said Mr Stewart.

"It makes sense to extend these plans even further," he added.

Natural England chairman Andrew Sells said the coastal path was the most significant footpath project for a generation.

"Visitors from home and abroad enjoy our spectacular coastlines and love to walk our National Trails, which pass through some of our most stunning countryside.

"We know from our evidence of spending by visitors to the coast, that the route will boost the local economy and help support coastal communities.

"We are on target and have built a momentum to complete the entire route by 2020."

Work to open up or improve access along the coast is also underway around the country - including Essex, Devon, Hampshire, Lincolnshire and Lancashire.

Natural England, which is coordinating the development of these routes, will be continually opening up new paths over the next five years.

The new routes will also improve public access to our coastline, beaches and foreshore, with existing coastal footpaths used where possible.

In some cases, footpaths will moved nearer the sea so walkers have a better opportunity to properly enjoy coastal views and beaches.