YORKSHIRE Forward, the regional development agency, has given £140,000 towards repairing bridges, bridleways and footpaths in the Northern Ryedale area of North Yorkshire following last June's floods.

Up to 16 bridges in the North York Moors National Park were destroyed, and miles of historic stone walls and hedges lost in the floods on Sunday, June 19.

Andy Wilson, the park's chief executive, said repairing the bridges and paths would boost the park's tourism industry this summer.

"Tourism is vital for the park's economy and bridges and footpaths are critical to enable tourists and local residents to access the countryside for work and pleasure."

It is planned to have all the bridges and public footpaths re-opened in time for the start of the new holiday season.

Richard Gunton, the park's head of services, said: "This additional funding will go a long way towards achieving that goal. We are grateful to Yorkshire Forward and Jim Knight the rural affairs minister for their support in lobbying for this extra finance."