Walkers in tick warning

WALKERS are being urged to take preventative measures to avoid lyme disease.

The Health Protection Agency said the number of cases of the disease being acquired through activities including walking, hiking and mountain-biking was on the rise.

It said the disease was becoming "endemic" to some parts of Scotland.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is spread to humans by infected ticks.

Walkers are encouraged to wear clothing which covers the skin and to check their bodies for ticks after being outside.