CORNWALL’S famous coastal footpath is to become part of the longest coastal walking route in the world.

Work is now officially under way along every stretch of the England Coast Path, Natural England announced today.

The organisation says it is now working on 100 per cent of this 2,700 mile walking route, which when completed will allow people to explore new and improved routes along the entire length of the English coastline.

England’s coastline already attracts 300 million visits a year, with people spending up to three times more than at any other holiday destination.

The South West stretch is said to be worth £400 million to the economy.

Rural Affairs Minister Lord Gardiner said: ‘By working closely with landowners, farmers and local communities, we are well on track to creating the world’s longest coastal path by 2020.’