The spectacular beauty spot of Farndale may boast some of North Yorkshire's finest scenery, but this year has seen major worries for its businesses because tourists have given it the cold shoulder because of foot and mouth disease.

Now, however, there are signs of a recovery with two of its best-known tourist enterprises, The Daffy Caffy and The Feversham Arms beginning to win back business from visitors seeking to enjoy the autumn weather.

George Loggie, who runs the Daffy Caffy with his partner Joanne Marshall, has been given special permission by the North York Moors National Park Authority to open throughout the winter to help compensate for the dramatic loss of income the cafe has suffered since February. Normally, the cafe can only open from February to October said George.

"Now we have been told we can serve customers through the autumn and winter, which will be a big help. Last year, we were hit hard by the terrible summer weather then by foot and mouth disease this year."

With news that the park's footpaths are once again open, walkers in particular are finding their way back to Farndale.

"People now realise they can once again enjoy the many walks in the dale and we are geared up to cater for them" said George.

The foot and mouth outbreak spelled a personal blow for George and Joanne, who has had to take a job in Helmsley to help supplement the family income.

"We had planned to get married this year, but we had to postpone it because it would have meant guests arriving by car having to use a farm entrance to turn round next to the church which could have posed a risk of bring the disease into the dale."

Now the couple's wedding plans are being made for the coming year.

Meanwhile, at the 200-year-old Feversham Arms, in the Church Houses area of Farndale, owner Frances Debenham is also seeing trade return, with groups of walkers and shooting parties heading for her cosy bar and its blazing log fire.

"I went three weeks with a single customer and in another week I took just £2.08 during the peak season when the schools are on holiday. It has been a dreadful time," said Mrs Debenham.

With no Farndale Show, no village cricket matches and no tourists, the 36-cover restaurant and bars have been deserted.

The village hall where Farndale people run teas for the visitors enjoying farndale's daffodils displays has seen its income drop, and the nearby chapel has also been hit because it has not had the suipport of tourists.

"We get about 50,000 tourists when the daffodils are out. This year, we had none," said Mrs Debenham.

"We have gone for days on end and never seen a tourist."

However, there are now signs of a recovery and with Christmas and the New Year ahead she is confident that people will again find their way back to Farndale.

"It is beautiful at this time of the year with the marvellous autumn colours."

Mike Pratt, head of information for the National Park Authority, said: "People have the idea that Farndale is only to be visited in the spring for its famous daffodils but there is so much more to it, with its amazing network of footpaths by the river and down the dale.

"The shows of bluebells and wood anemones are marvellous and the wildlife and views are there to be enjoyed throughout the year.

"We are hopeful of seeing more tourists heading for Farndale this winter. Such businesses as The Daffy Caffy and the Feversham Arms certainly need support and will be grateful for it."

Updated: 11:20 Thursday, December 06, 2001