COACH firms are being urged to drive the information superhighway before sending excursions into the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.

A partnership between the local authorities which cover one of England's most popular tourist destinations has already seen a website developed on the Internet, promoting the region's attractions to potential visitors from around the globe.

A recent addition is a map, aimed at companies which arrange trips to the area.

Details of six separate routes include roads best suited to coaches, places where they can park, and links which offer more information on accommodation and destinations.

Pam Whittaker, of the Yorkshire Dales Joint Promotion Initiative said: "We felt a map would help in taking the worry out of a visit to the Dales, as there are some narrow roads with difficult bridges to negotiate, and we wanted to make an excursion to the Yorkshire Dales a pleasure for the driver as well as the passengers.''

The new-look website can be found at www.yorkshiredales.org