NATIONAL park bosses are celebrating after scooping a regional training award for the third year running.

The North York Moors has won an Edge Award - and £10,000 - in recognition of the practical learning opportunities it provides for young people.

The awards promote practical and vocational training, and the park authority offers a range of opportunities for 14 to 25-year-olds and employs a team of apprentices.

With prize money from last year's award, the authority set up a scheme in conjunction with Scarborough's Basic Plus offering training and a qualification in "skills for working life" for adults with learning difficulties.

Park chairman John Fletcher said: "We are obviously delighted that Edge has again recognised the hard work put in by our staff and volunteers to support vocational training for young people in the region.

"Countryside skills and management are a big part of the local economy, but people with the relevant experience are becoming harder and harder to come by."

The authority beat hundreds of other organisations to win the award and now has the chance to secure a £50,000 investment towards helping to develop future initiatives at the national awards, in London, on November 22.