EXHIBITIONS featuring the life of the North York Moors National Park over the past 50 years and wildlife watches are among a catalogue of events being planned to mark its golden jubilee this year.

Mike Pratt, the authority's head of information, said: "We are arranging an ambitious programme of events for all the family to mark this great milestone."

The anniversary celebrations, approved at this week's meeting of the authority, start on April 5 with a guided tour of the heavens over the park by expert star spotter Brian Lake, followed by exhibitions of old photographs and rural life.

A golden jubilee picnic is planned for Sunday, May 5, while, on June 30, the Whitby Company of Archers will be putting on a display of longbow versus crossbow firing.

A badger watch with Forest Enterprise is planned each Wednesday throughout the summer and the North Yorkshire Moors Association has plans to restore ancient crosses.

A guided walk, featuring 50 of the park's best features, is planned for August 14, while from August 24 to September 28, there will be an exhibition of Wildlife Photographer of the Year pictures.

The authority agreed to put £10,000 into its budget to mark the celebrations which will also include a big concert in November and a festival of song and dance.

Top playwright Sir Alan Ayckbourn has been asked to stage a theatre roadshow in the Esk Valley villages and a tree planting is planned at Levisham with a representative of each parish in the park taking part.

"The education and ranger service will visit each primary school in the park on the day of the anniversary to talk to the children and give each child a specially made biscuit in the shape of Ralph Cross, the park's emblem," said Mr Pratt.

Updated: 10:17 Thursday, March 14, 2002