WHILE Ryedale is still enjoying the festive season, leaders of its tourist industry are preparing for another busy year.

The district council has just taken delivery of 60,000 holiday brochures which in the next few weeks will be sent to potential visitors in all parts of Britain and in mainland Europe.

The impressive brochure has a catalogue of photographs of attractions and Ryedale's many beauty spots, with a front cover reflecting many of its best known features.

This year's best summer weather for years played a key part in Ryedale's best-ever tourist season which is expected to have been worth well over £100m when the figures are produced.

Chris Parkin, of the Carlton Hotel, Helmsley, and the district council's

representative on the Yorkshire Tourist Board's marketing committee, says: "This has been a good year, due to such factors as the splendid weather and the threat of international terrorism.

"The new holiday guide is an excellent publication which I'm sure will have a vibrant effect on bring more people to Ryedale."

A new state-of-the-art visitor centre at Helmsley Castle, being built by English Heritage, is likely to be a major new attraction for the town.

"We are happy that it has recognised the potential of Helmsley," said Coun Parkin.

In addition, Ryedale's mini-brochure featuring attractions and events in 2004, will include two other big new attractions.

The 18th century walled garden at Scampston Hall, home of Sir Charles and Lady Legard, has been designed by the internationally-acclaimed Piet Oudolf, winner of the gold award and best in show at Chelsea in 2003.

Also included is Wolds Way Lavender, at Deer Park Farm, Wintringham, which had its curtain-up last summer with more than 120 different types of lavenders and herbs.

"The whole of Ryedale has a great deal going for it as a tourist area," said Coun Parkin.

He said there was a need to boost the 'shoulder' months of the tourist season in the spring and autumn, which would result in people in the industry being employed longer.

Meanwhile, the holiday brochure for Scarborough, Whitby and Filey and a large part of the North York Moors National Park has been launched. The guide, of which 160,000 copies which are being distributed, has on the cover a stunning photograph of the coastline at Boggle Hole between Ravenscar and Robin Hood's Bay, taken by leading North Yorkshire photographer Joe Cornish.

Updated: 12:48 Monday, December 29, 2003