signs have been put up on several country roads to raise awareness of the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

The area covers 77 square miles of rolling hills, woods, fields, fences, rivers and historic parkland. It stretches from Broughton in the east to Husthwaite in the west, and north from Helmsley to Howsham in the south, covering some of Yorkshire's finest countryside.

The new signs, built by Scothern Construction, of Malton, have been mounted on stone plinths similar to village name signs.

Paul Jackson, an AONB officer based at Wath Court, Hovingham, near Malton, said: "The AONB landscape is of national significance and it's important that both local people and visitors know where its boundaries are.

"There is already a strong sense of local pride in the area and we hope the new signs will strengthen it."

A management plan has been drawn up to encourage positive action to look after the landscape, wildlife and cultural heritage and promote a health rural economy.

One of its features is The Howardian Way, a 20-mile walk from Coxwold to Kirkham Abbey. Other long-distance routes in the area include the Centenary Way, Ebor Way, National Byway and the National Cycle Route.

Among the latest projects to be tackled is the restoration of an iron road sign, dating back 200 years, damaged in a road accident on the Helmsley to Malton road.