AN area of North Yorkshire is proclaiming itself Britain’s cake capital, in recognition of the many treats it serves up to tourists.

The North York Moors and coast has bestowed itself with the title in recognition of its many local specialities and the places they are served.

The marketing initiative, launched today (Monday, March 23), aims to raise the profile of the multitude of cake-eating locations in the area from tea parlours, to stately homes.

The claim has been made by the North York Moors Tourism Network, a voluntary organisation supporting more than 400 tourism and related businesses and the North York Moors National Park Authority (NYMNPA).

Catriona McLees, NYMNPA’s head of tourism said: “Each year thousands of homemade cakes are served to over seven million visitors to the national park.

“When people visit our area, whether they’re cyclists, walkers or sightseers, having a slice of cake is very much part of their trip. It's traditional to bake for people to show you care, and this is a very hospitable area.

“We realised people have probably been baking in this area since the Vikings introduced a cake that became known as Yorkshire Parkin.”

A website; www.capitalofcake.com has been created listing the 50 most popular types of cakes baked in the area and places they can be enjoyed.

Helmsley baker, Rhian Crusher, from Celebrate Country Cake Design has celebrated the initiative by creating an edible map, depicting some of the area's tourist attractions in icing and sponge.

Environment Secretary of State Elizabeth Truss said: “I support the Capital of Cake. A decent cup of Yorkshire tea and slice of cake are two great reasons to visit the North York Moors.

"The more people visit, the more they will realise that our national parks offer so much besides their beauty. Tourism is massively important to the parks which are a cornerstone of our £210bn rural economy.”