AN award-winning Dales open farm has joined a national initiative to tempt tourists back to the countryside in the wake of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

Star Joan Collins was back from her honeymoon and in London at the weekend to help publicise the Your Countryside, You're Welcome campaign.

The Government has since dispatched Rural Affairs Minster Alun Michael to spread the message further afield - and he is in North Yorkshire this week helping to promote tourism hot spots and attractions hard-hit by the epidemic.

Hazel Brow Farm, at Low Row, in the heart of Swaledale is among them. There were no visitors last year to watch the dairy herd being milked, lambs being born, or demonstrations of country crafts.

"Last year, was a real struggle for us," said owner Catherine Calvert. "However, we have to put the bad times behind and look to a brighter future.''

As a result, there are plans for new attractions at Hazel Brow.

Mrs Calvert said: "We have joined forces with the Department of the Environment Food and Rural Affairs and the British Wool Board and will be promoting British wool in lots of different ways.

"For instance, we will be making a bouncy castle filled with springy wool and displaying new products such as organic wool mattresses for babies.''

More details about events planned under the Your Countryside, You're Welcome banner can be found at www.yourcountryside.info or from the Yorkshire Tourist Board at www.yorkshirevisitor.com