KEEN walkers will soon be able to step on the longest coastal walking route in the world as work has started along every stretch of the England Coast Path.

The project, spearheaded by Natural England, seeks to create a 2,700 mile walking route by 2020, which when completed will allow people to walk along the entire length of the English Coastline and take in iconic sights like the White Cliffs of Dover, the picturesque Somerset coast and the beaches of Norfolk.

A path between Brean Down and Minehead, which opened in 2016, is going to be part of the 2,700 mile coastal route and it is hoped the new coastal walking route will attract visitors.

Speaking ahead of his visit to Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, rural affairs minister, Lord Gardiner said: “We have some of the most spectacular coastland in the world, with iconic sites such as the White Cliffs at Dover and the picturesque beaches at Whitby attracting millions of tourists and walkers every year.

“The England Coast Path is a hugely significant project – helping people across the country to access our stunning coastline and providing a significant boost to the economy of our coastal communities.

“By working closely with landowners, farmers and local communities, we are well on track to creating the world’s longest coastal path by 2020."

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) said that England's coastline attracts 300 million visitors every year with people spending up to three times more than any other holiday destination.

So far Natural England has opened up more than 300 miles of coastline and the new routes will link up the existing coastal paths and create new ones to complete the path.

Most recently, routes have opened in North Yorkshire and Norfolk, with further stretches set to open in Kent, the north east and Cumbria over the coming months.

DEFRA says the South West stretch of the path is worth £400 million to the economy and that by completing the England Coastal path there will be a big boost to the tourism industry which is worth £106 billion.

Andrew Sells, chairman of Natural England, said: “We are now working on all sections of our beautiful and varied coastline so the ability to walk the longest, continuous coastal walking route in the world is on the horizon.

“I’m extremely proud of the strides we have taken to reach this point.

"We will continue to work closely with landowners, communities and local authorities to create the best possible route, to bring more people closer to nature, and benefit local economies.”