A MOORLAND land management project has proved so successful it could now be extended to other parts of England and Europe

The North York Moors National Park Authority's Farm and Rural Community Scheme was held up in Brussels last week as a model for integrated rural development.

A joint organisation of conservation, countryside and environmental agencies - including the World Wildlife Fund for Nature - has produced a report on rural development practices throughout Europe and a fact-sheet on the scheme to spotlight initiatives which are making a difference.

The Farm and Rural Community Scheme (FRCS) - operated with the Countryside Agency - has been running for three years in the parishes of Commondale, Westerdale and Danby. It has piloted ideas which link the environment, rural economy and community.

FRCS project officer Fraser Hugill, who represented the scheme in Brussels, said: "The project has shown how by working with people you can realise initiatives which are good for business, the community and the environment."

The example Mr Hugill used was that of Simon Taylor, the community caretaker for Commondale, who provides benefits by clearing snow and helping less able people feel more secure.

He maintains village features and clears litter so visitors enjoy their stay and continue to boost the local economy.

"This sort of approach works well in remote rural communities," said Mr Hugill.