CROWDS flocking to the Commonwealth Games in Manchester later this year are to be tempted to cross the Pennines to enjoy the hospitality of the Yorkshire Dales.

The Richmond Business and Tourism Association (RBTA) will be spending some of a £10,000 Yorkshire Forward grant on marketing the area, famous for its market town and stunning scenery.

The money - given to help the area overcome the fall out of the foot-and-mouth crisis - will cover the cost of prominent advertising in the British Tourist Authority's England's North Country brochure.

As many as 300,000 copies will be distributed in five languages around the world.

However, the cash will also pay for advertisements in the Manchester City Life Guide and the free guide to the Commonwealth Games, distributed this spring.

"Every effort must be made to make Richmond even more attractive and welcoming this year to match the investment by Yorkshire Forward, and the association in trying to attract tourists back to the area," said Dr Mike Nicholls, who has just stood down as chairman of the RBTA.

Taking the new post of secretary, Dr Nicholls is succeeded by Mike Pattison.