AN author and columnist for The Northern Echo has received one of the best accolades a guidebook writer could ask for.

Mark Reid, from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, has had his long-distance, circular route around the North York Moors signposted by the national park authority.

Mr Reid's Inn Way series of walking guidebooks encourages readers to slip into their walking boots and spend time in areas such as the national park, staying at local inns and bed and breakfast establishments along the way.

The award-winning author is delighted to see his 89-mile route around the Moors marked with 20 wooden signposts, each featuring the Inn Way logo.

There are three or four signposts per day stage - with one at the start of each day, one at the lunchtime stop, and a couple more at strategic points along the route.

Mr Reid gave up his job as a brewery area manager six years ago to have a go at making a living out of walking and writing about pubs.

He said: "I would never have imagined that there would be proper Inn Way signposts up and around the North York Moors promoting one of my books.

"Now I'll have to walk all 89 miles of the route again just to see my signposts."

The signs were put up by the national park authority, with support from the North York Moors Sustainable Tourism Project.

Andy Wilson, the authority's chief executive, helped to mark the launch of the signposts.