FOR centuries, an imposing fortress has dominated a North town and its surrounding countryside.

But while the castle at Helmsley, North Yorkshire, was a forbidding sight guaranteed to strike fear in the heart of marauders, it has now become a honeypot for tourism.

A major scheme has been launched to make the ruins on the edge of the North York Moors an easier place to visit.

A £900,000 scheme to improve facilities has been agreed by English Heritage in partnership with the regional development agency Yorkshire Forward.

It is hoped the scheme will almost double visitor numbers and boost the local economy by about £2m a year, potentially creating 20 jobs.

The project will provide a new visitor centre, improve access, create exhibition space and improve disabled access.

It will also allow for an audio tour and exhibitions on the castle's history, and bring a wealth of locally excavated artefacts out of storage.

English Heritage's regional director, David Fraser, said: "For far too long, Helmsley Castle has been an unrecognised gem.

"This project will open up the castle and add a newly polished jewel to be seen and appreciated by visitors to Helmsley and North Yorkshire."

English Heritage has contributed more than £560,000 to the scheme, which is also supported by European cash.

Robert Haskins, of the European Secretariat of the regional Government Office, said: "The area around the castle has suffered in recent years from foot-and-mouth and rural decline.

"Our hope is that the visitor centre will attract more visitors and help regenerate its economy."

Helmsley Castle attracts 25,000 visitors a year. The visitor centre is expected to open at Easter and it is hoped visitor numbers will increase to 45,000.