HOUSE hunting in the Yorkshire Dales is a disheartening task, says first-time buyer Jonathan Robinson.

The 28-year-old, from Redmire, in Wensleydale, has been looking to buy for the last year.

A service supervisor for an agricultural engineering firm near Masham, Mr Robinson has a salary of about £19,000.

But with very few houses in the Dales going for less than £100,000, numerous visits to estate agents have drawn a blank.

"I have a reasonable job with a reasonable wage, but I stand no chance bidding against people buying second homes or moving into the area," he said.

"I'm not looking for a palace - all I want is a small one or two-bedroom cottage.

"But the only homes I can afford are 25 miles away in Darlington."

Mr Robinson feels strongly that it is not just individuals who suffer because of the high house prices.

He said: "I have grown up in the Dales. I want to live near my friends and raise a family here.

"If young people are able to stay in the Dales, the place remains a living, working community where local businesses thrive.

"If they go, the area is at risk of becoming one giant retirement home or holiday village."