RYEDALE could get more than £2m in European Union aid as part of a new development blueprint.

John Davison, Ryedale District Council's assistant chief executive, said the Northern Ryedale Integrated Development Plan (IDP) has the potential to boost economic activity which could attract the money from Brussels.

He told the council's policy and resources committee that the plan aims to increase Ryedale's economic "added value" from its resources, maintain ande nhance the environment and cultural assets, boost the skills of small businesses, and improve tourism in the Pickering area to create new jobs.

A total of £6.5m is earmarked for investment in the council's area, with the authority taking the lead on providing workspace, business grants, a manager for the IDP and an events marketing officer.

The North York Moors National Park Authority is planning to spend £450,000 on boosting opportunities for cycling tourism, while the Forestry Commission is looking to invest £3.3m in an ambitious new visitor and education centre at Dalby Forest.

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway also has plans to spend £410,000 on improvements, said Mr Davison.

He said there was a shortage of land for development and, as a result, the IDP would be looking to the rural hinterland to drive regeneration and provide an economic base, including improving tourism, extending the traditional holiday season and attracting new tourist markets to Ryedale.

The IDP will run from 2004 to 2006, said Mr Davison.

"In northern Ryedale, the environment and the economy is inextricably linkedand a more sustainable future is dependent on our actions in creating economic opportunities and providing environmental benefits," he said.

He added that one of the aims of the IDP will be to "deliver sustainable economic development" based on the national park's environment and culture.

Updated: 11:44 Wednesday, December 10, 2003