NORTH Yorkshire farmers and landowners are being urged by thje Country Land and Business Association to apply to join the county council's new local access forum.

The 18-member forum will include three county councillors, plus representatives of those with interests in recreation, nature conservation, heritage, business, health, trade unions, transport and access for the less able.

Urging CLA members to apply, Dorothy Fairburn, the CLA's regional director, said: "We think it's to everyone's benefit if farmers and landowners are well-represented.