A PROJECT set up to promote the Yorkshire Dales in the wake of the foot-and-mouth crisis has warned it could be in jeopardy if it does not win more support from local businesses.

DigitalDales.co.uk promotes Dales events, attractions and businesses over the internet. It is funded by Yorkshire Forward and the English Tourist Board and operates a central web site founded by the Upper Wensleydale Community Partnership and Cybersavvy UK.

Project leaders this week said at least an extra 100 firms needed to sign up for the scheme if it was to unlock another £14,500 in grants for the coming year.

Lindsey Annison of Cybersavvy UK said: "Everyone from Malham to Masham should be listed. The web site shows potential visitors just how much this area has to offer - whether for a short break with friends, a day trip or a family holiday. Even a few local people may be surprised by what is on their doorstep."

Each business that joins the partnership pays an annual subscription of £15. In return, it gets access to internet software at a reduced cost, a directory of local internet experts and can join on-line forums debating local issues.

Anyone organising an event can also have the details included on the web site free of charge. "We need to persuade people that the web site is not a competitive thing," said Upper Wensleydale Community Partnership spokeswoman Angela le Grice.

"It is a portal to the area, a way of introducing people to what the Dales have to offer. There are other web sites with similar roles, but what we want to do is link as many as we can together, opening more doors to the Dales as we go."

Further information on DigitalDales.co.uk is available either via the web site or on 01969 667944.