Those throwing their travel equipment in the back of the car for a trip to the North York Moors National Park have been assured that the quality of the region's footpaths remain a top park priority.

Maintaining paths and bridleways, protecting the area's wildlife and giving grants and advice to farmers were all rated as very important by both residents of and visitors to the region in a consultation project.

The questionnaire surveyed more than 1,500 people in which they were asked to rate park services with a score ranging from 'not important' to 'very important'.

Julie Lawrence, director of information, education and visitor services at the authority said: "The consultation is just one of several discussions and exercises we are carrying out to inform what will be difficult decisions around future work areas for the authority."

The park covers an area of 554 square miles and has 26 miles of coastline.