A GROUP of churches hopes to attract summer visitors by offering a glimpse of their "fascinating features."

The project in Richmond, supported by the district council, is part of a three-year Yorkshire Tourist Board (YTB) initiative to promote church tourism.

Six churches across the town are taking part - St Joseph and St Francis Xavier, St Mary's Parish Church, Holy Trinity Chapel, The King's Church, the Zetland Pentecostal Church and the Methodist Church.

"We have a rich variety of churches in the town, and several are immediately visually-impressive structures," said acting tourism officer Jill Bell.

"However, small, often intricate, details can be overlooked, and we want to encourage people to seek out these features with the help of the new leaflet."

From loving cups to misericord decorations, old clock bells and elaborately carved reredos, it is hoped the Fascinating Features leaflet will encourage visitors to look more closely at the town's places of worship.

The original YTB initiative has resulted in the creation of a Northern Dales Church Tourism group of church representatives who are keen to raise the profile of their churches.

"The YTB initiative started the momentum and we are keen to build on the work that has already been done," said chairwoman Catherine Megson.

"We are working on future events and projects, and are keen to get other churches involved."

The Fascinating Features leaflet is available from the tourist information centres in Richmond and Leyburn, and from the Richmond churches listed.