Parks were busy but visitors have been "impeccably behaved" according to Ashby-based Leicestershire County Council leader Nick Rushton.

This weekend was the first since lockdown rules were relaxed so that people were allowed to drive to and spend unlimited time at parks and beauty spots.

Bradgate Park and some others across the county saw car parks fill up but Coun Rushton told the BBC Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that people were sticking to the rules.

"Parks were patchily busy, but on the whole people were impeccable behaved and stuck to social distancing and the guidelines," Coun Rushton, who is also chairman of the Bradgate Park Trust, said.

"On the whole the public have followed the rules, they've stuck to the guidelines and now the first steps are being taken to relax those rules, people remain well behaved.

"These are their parks, they don't belong to anyone, they belong to all of us so it's important we have them open for people to enjoy.

"There are some people who have been nowhere but the supermarket or pharmacy since lockdown began.

"Then there are young people, this is a terrible time for them, they can't get out, they are facing uncertainty in employment, education. They are unlikely to be seriously unwell if they get the virus but have played their part in stopping it spreading. It's important for them to be able to get out now too."

Bradgate Park posted updates on social media asking people to stay away on Sunday morning and again on Sunday afternoon as car parks filled up.

Coun Rushton said: "The only reason we really make those appeals is on behalf of residents so that people don't end up parking on double yellow lines or inconsiderately.

"The parks are plenty big enough for everyone who wants to enjoy to do so, there just needs to be some consideration shown when it comes to parking."

Bradgate Park's cafes remain closed and those at county council run sites will also stay shut for now.

Some toilets are open but only one cubicle is open and people are being asked to queue outside to minimise the number of people using them at one time.

Posters are placed at the park's entrance reminding people of guidelines. They read: "Do not visit this park if you have any Covid-19 symptoms – fever, cough or shortness of breath.

"Observe social distancing, staying at least two metres apart from other people.

"Use all areas of the park, not just the main carriageway, so you can maintain an appropriate distance from others.

"Avoid touching surfaces, such as gates or handrails and you mouth and face. Please wash you hands as soon as you get home.

"Keep your dog on a lead in the lower park at all times to ensure you can safely keep two metres away from others.

"On the main carriageway keep to the left to keep pedestrian flow in one direction."