THE Yorkshire Dales are to become a winter wonderland for visitors thanks to a cram-packed programme of events designed to help the tourist industry after the summer disaster of foot and mouth.

For the first time ever, the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority has launched a winter events programme, featuring walks and craft demonstrations, that will run from November through to spring next year. And what's more, all the events are free thanks to funding from the regional development agency Yorkshire Forward.

National park interpretation officer, Karen Griffiths, commented: "The winter events programme is the first ever organised by the national park to run over the winter months. With the cancellation of the majority of our summer walks due to the closed footpaths and bridleways the winter events programme will be the ideal antidote for anyone who has missed out this summer.

"Everyone is welcome to join us for a bracing guided walk, a village stroll and maybe lunch in a local pub, or to visit one of our national park centres and see Dales crafts people at work."

To accompany the programme the Authority has produced a booklet will full information on all of the events. For information on the winter events programme, call 01756 752774.

To see a list of the coming events, see our events page.