AN online "virtual visitor centre" for a North area has been launched.

Features on the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority site include e-postcards, which can be sent to friends and family, and an interactive photo gallery.

Annie Galloway, head of external affairs at the authority, said: "The new virtual visitor centre offers many of the services provided by our national park centres, such as information on local attractions, accommodation, events, walking routes and local transport.

"As this information is available on the Internet, it can be accessed by anyone anywhere in the world at any time."

The site provides a comprehensive guide to events in the Dales, including country shows and drystone walling workshops.

The site also gives visitors the chance to read and submit memories and experiences of the park.

Also included is information on the Dales Countryside Museum, in Hawes, and the national park centres.

Each park ranger has their own section, which they use to provide visitors with facts and information about the areas they cover.

The site is at www.desti nationdales.org