DRIVERS are to be forced to slow down on country roads to cut animal deaths.

Excess speed was blamed for the deaths of more than 200 sheep last year in the North York Moors National Park.

A major blackspot is at Blakey Road ,which crosses the moors between Hutton-le-Hole and Castleton.

To combat the problem, the North York Moors National Park Authority is to put down rumble strips and erect extra signs to warn drivers to slow down and be more aware.

Rachel Pickering, the park's moorland project officer, said: "We hope this cuts the problem down.

"The measures will come in as soon as we can find the appropriate funding.

"The main problem is along Blakey Road as it's a fast road and so we have more deaths on it."

The park authority is putting £5,000 towards the scheme and is to consult with North Yorkshire Police and the Highways Agency.