THE Youth Hostel Association may expand its network in Yorkshire.

Richmond and Grassington have been identified as possible sites for new hostels and others could be established at Goathland, Staithes, Harrogate, Ripon and Holmfirth under a new partnership initiative known as YHA Enterprise.

However, the situation at Aysgarth, where the hostel is under threat of closure unless money for a £500,000 upgrade can be found, remains the same.

The Aysgarth hostel was one of ten earmarked for closure in the wake of the financial devastation caused by the foot-and-mouth crisis. However, the YHA is now aiming to increase the number of its overnight guests in the region by 50pc.

The YHA Enterprise initiative wants to create new bunkhouses, camping barns and guest houses, as well as backpacker hostels aimed at young international travellers. It will involve joint ventures with private, public and voluntary sector partners which would own and, in many cases, run the new accommodation.

For a yearly flat fee and agreed percentage of annual income, YHA would provide marketing and booking services for each new centre, which would also display the famous green YHA logo.

Regional manager, Simon Ainley said: "YHA Enterprise offers considerable scope for us to work with partners, including other accommodation providers.

"There are real opportunities for farm diversification and to redevelop redundant buildings, as well as regeneration possibilities for communities across the region. We want to bring more visitors to Yorkshire and aim to increase the number of annual overnight stays at YHA accommodation here by 83,000 within five years."