OSMOTHERLEY is one of five youth hostels in North Yorkshire in line for major improvements, thanks to a Government grant.

The Youth Hostels Association successfully bid for a total of £250,000 from the countryside access recovery fund for urgent repairs at its properties.

Among those in line for work are hostels at Osmotherley and Boggle Hole on the North York Moors and Hawes, Malham and Kettlewell in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

The YHA, one of only 12 organisations to receive cash from the scheme, said work would include roof restoration at Osmotherley.

YHA Yorkshire regional manager Simon Ainley, said the success of the bid was fantastic news for tourists staying at youth hostels.

"It is also a real boost for the region's rural economy, which took such a battering from foot-and-mouth. Visitors are coming back into the countryside and we want to play our part in encouraging them to return year after year in ever increasing numbers.