A NORTH Yorkshire estate agent thinks she has the ideal Christmas gifts for those fond of the great outdoors.

For about £5,000, she is offering for sale just over an acre of land in splendid isolation on the North York Moors.

And for anyone wanting to spend a bit more, there are 60 acres for sale in the Dales - enough land to graze 70 sheep.

These rural beauty spots are being marketed by Pippa Smith, of George F White of Bedale.

The moorland plot is the smallest property the company has ever had to sell and probably one of the smallest pieces of land ever to hit the market in that area.

The larger patch is near Bainbridge in Wensleydale and thought to be the site of a Celtic settlement.

The moorland site only went up for sale this week, but Ms Smith has already had inquiries. "One person is very interested," she said.

She describes the moors land as "the perfect gift for anyone more at home in hiking boots and wellies than a pair of Guccis."

"It is a beauty spot designed to make them and you feel on top of the world - literally!" she said. "It is so small you could almost fence it in Christmas ribbon."

The pocket-sized piece of Yorkshire measures 1.61 acres; very beautiful but suitable only for pursuits such as picnics, parties or pitching a tent.

Unfenced within the national park, it is about ten miles from Helmsley and has panoramic views across Bilsdale.

"This is the most unusual instruction we have ever received as it is in the middle of nowhere," said Ms Smith. "It is about half an hour's walk from the road and has little agricultural value. But it is a lovely place to be."

The land is thought to have been part of the Fangdale Beck estate, of which small parcels were enclosed and sold to different buyers in years gone by.

This piece was left to children's charity Barnados in a will. It is now surplus to requirements and the charity has decided to sell.

Although price predictions are tricky in today's property market, a guide price for auction has been put at £5,000.

The larger plot at Addlebrough, close to Semer Water, has a more colourful history, with its Celtic connections and reputation as a summer fort used by the Romans.

Ms Smith reckons this would make a most unusual Christmas gift ... for anyone willing to fork out about £25,000.

Anyone wanting details should contact Ms Smith on 01677 425301.