THE district of Ryedale is to be promoted as a year-round destination for short breaks.

A marketing blueprint for the area's tourism industry says Ryedale has a wealth of historic sites - mansions, ruined abbeys, castles and churches as well as scores of public walks - to attract high-spending tourists throughout the year.

District tourist officer Cor-ina Inverno said that themed package holidays would also be marketed.

A report by the council's economic development department said there was now a consortium approach to marketing involving the authority and other agencies to develop new ideas.

The strategy, which has been approved by the council, contains plans for new footpaths and cycleways in the national park and Forestry Commission forests.

Ms Inverno said Ryedale would work with English Heritage, promoting short-break walking and heritage holidays with good quality accommodation.

Other short breaks will include gourmet and wine-tasting trips and antique hun-ting.