A PROJECT offering tourism businesses advice with the aim of increasing visitor numbers is being introduced in North Yorkshire.

Ryedale Tourism Initiative ran for two years as a pilot project, assisting businesses with marketing campaigns and expansion ideas.

It has been such as success that it has now secured extra funding and is being extended to parts of Hambleton and rural areas of the Scarborough district.

Staff running the initiative say it has helped businesses to recognise their potential and are delighted that the new funding has been offered.

The money for the project has come from regional development agency Yorkshire Forward and the European Regional Development Fund.

The initiative aims to increase levels of tourism in Ryedale, Hambleton and rural Scarborough by making sure that businesses are well equipped to develop and expand.

It will be delivered by a team of business support officers from Ryedale District Council, with offices in Stokesley and Whitby.

They will help tourism businesses to access professional support, such as marketing and general business advice, that they may require to develop and expand their businesses.

Practical hands-on advice will also be available. Staff will help with developing promotional leaflets and websites and will encourage business owners to understand the importance of building customer databases.

Businesses will be able to apply for a grant of up to £1,500 to buy IT hardware in the hope of encouraging them to develop their e-business potential.

The team will also be organising events to encourage businesses to develop joint marketing campaigns that will encourage visitors to come to the region.

Business liaison manager Louise Lunn said: "The previous pilot project impacted very successfully and positively by giving practical hands-on advice to help businesses recognise their potential and assist in their long-term growth.

"I am delighted to be able to continue to offer the practical support and work with the diversity of businesses in the area."

More details of the business support programme are available from Ms Lunn on (01653) 600666, extension 336.