SHEEP in pink jerseys are to be hidden across a national park in a bid to encourage visitors to explore the area.

Organisations and residents in the North York Moors are being encouraged to take part in the campaign by displaying models of sheep in pink jerseys at various locations.

It mirrors a successful campaign run last year in the Yorkshire Dales. Visitors will be asked to spot at least three lost sheep and report their sightings on a website to be entered into a prize draw.

The campaign is being run by the North York Moors Tourism Network.

Susan Briggs, director of North Yorkshire-based Tourism Network, who devised the Lost Sheep campaign, said: “The Lost Sheep campaign was hugely successful in the Yorkshire Dales and I’m confident it will be just as well received in the North York Moors.

“In the end we had over 400 sheep dotted around ranging in size from small lambs made from icing sugar to one large version made out of recycled bikes and mattresses. Perhaps more importantly, we had over 15,000 entries and the feedback from visitors was overwhelmingly positive.”

The sheep will be on show from June 20 to September 20 and can be made from any material, but must wear a pink jersey.

To join the campaign, or for more information, visit; www.northyorkmoorstourism.com or call; 01439-772700. The deadline for signing up is May 5.