THE northern Ryedale area, which was devastated by freak floods last June, is to get £140,000 from Yorkshire Forward to help to carry out repair work.

The Leeds-based regional development agency has agreed to provide the support in a bid to encourage visitors back to the North York Moors National Park.

The money will be used to finance repairs to footpaths and 16 bridges across the moors, said Andy Tordoff, head of rural renaissance and tourism at Yorkshire Forward.

Tourism is crucial to the economy of the area, he said, and the aim was to get bridges and paths restored in time for the new tourist season.

The additional funding will go towards bridging the national park's current funding gap after finance, budgeted for other repairs in the park, had to be diverted following the floods, which left the authority months behind in other scheduled developments, said Mr Tordoff.

"Yorkshire Forward recognises the importance of the national park as a key visitor attraction for our region, and the hub of a thriving local economy. It is vital that these repairs are carried out to ensure people are able to enjoy the park's beauty freely and safely, as well as ensuring local businesses continue to grow."

Andy Wilson, chief executive of the Helmsley-based national park authority, said: "Tourism is vital for the region's economy and bridges on public rights of way are critical for enabling local residents and tourists to access the countryside for work and pleasure."

He added: "This funding will play an important role in helping the area rejuvenate following the floods. The park is very much 'open for business' and we look forward to what will hopefully be a very successful season ahead."

Richard Gunton, head of park services, said "We are committed to making sure that these bridges are replaced and all remaining public footpaths and bridleways are open ready for the 2006 tourist season.

"This extra funding will go a long way towards achieving that goal. We would like to thank Yorkshire Forward and the Minister for Rural Affairs, Jim Knight, for their support and hard work in lobbying for this extra financial help. We are also indebted to our many dedicated volunteer wardens who have done an outstanding job in helping with the repair work."

Updated: 15:08 Wednesday, February 08, 2006