A PARK authority has won an award and been sent a letter of congratulations by Prime Minister Tony Blair.

The North Yorskhire Moors National Park Authority has been awarded a third charter mark under a Government monitoring scheme.

The authority's website and work in the park communities were highlighted for special commendation deciding the award.

In his letter, Mr Blair said: "Please pass on my congratulations to everyone involved. This is not a standard that is easily achieved and is a tribute to your organisation.

"Your achievement clearly demonstrates that customers' needs and aspirations genuinely form the basis for the design and delivery of the services you provide"

A letter of congratulations has also been sent to the park's Helmsley headquarters by the rural affairs minister, Alun Michael, who has made several visits to the park.