THE driving force behind a solution to the Dales battle with the aftermath of the foot-and-mouth crisis has warned its grants could be in jeopardy if it does not win more support from local businesses.

DigitalDales.co.uk won financial backing from Yorkshire Forward and the English Tourist Board last summer and now promotes the Yorkshire Dales and its attractions around the globe.

A network of firms and communities have already pitched in to help expand the project further, linking up via the central website founded by the Upper Wensleydale Community Partnership and Cybersavvy UK.

However, at least another 100 more are required if the project is to unlock another £14,500 in grants for the coming year.

"Everyone from Malham to Masham should be listed," said Lindsey Annison of Cybersavvy UK.

"The website 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.

"The team has designed and developed a professional website which reflects the wealth of opportunity and talent in the area, as well as showing what to do, where to go and what to see in the Dales. Do it in the Dales, we say."

Each business which joins the partnership pays an annual subscription of £15.

In return, each has access to Internet software at a reduced cost, a directory of Internet experts in the Dales area and can join Internet forums debating local issues.

Anyone organising an event in the area can also have the details included on the digitaldales.co.uk website free of charge.

"We need to persuade people that the website is not a competitive thing. It is a portal to the area, a way of introducing people to what the Dales have to offer," said Upper Wensleydale Community Partnership spokeswoman Angela Le Grice.

"There are other websites 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 website or by calling the Upper Wensleydale Community Partnership on (01969) 667944