TWO conferences are being organised by the North York Moors National Park Authority to plan the revival of the rural economy following the foot-and-mouth disease crisis.

The first will be at Sneaton Castle, Whitby on November 20, and the second, focusing on the tourism industry, next spring.

Andy Wilson, the park's chief executive said four other smaller seminars were being planned based on the parish forums in the park.

He said: "The moors' environment, economy and its communities have suffered particularly badly from the epidemic, which has directly affected the area longer than almost anywhere else.

"This has led to a prolonged period of stress, restriction and uncertainty for the farming community, the loss of a whole season of business for many rural tourism businesses and has had a depressing effect on local communities and the whole economy.

"The job of rural revival must be progressed as rapidly as possible."

The park authoruity hopes to cash in on the new European Objective 2 funding scheme and Yorkshire Forward's aid for rural areas to help the revival.

Mr Wilson has suggested setting up a tourism association for the park to aid its many struggling businesses.

County Councillor Betsy Hill said opportunities other than tourism and farming should be explored to revive the economy. "We can do it without spoiling the view," she said.