VOLUNTEERS are needed to join the team helping to keep the Yorkshire Dales National Park in top shape.

Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) is looking to recruit 14 new helpers to join its Dales Volunteers team.

The voluntary service is a network of about 200 people who give their time and energy freely to support the work of the YDNPA.

The new volunteers will be based in one of the four teams that cover the different areas of the national park.

Volunteers coordinator Kate Hilditch said: “Our fantastic volunteers bring their expertise, enthusiasm and dedication to a huge range of tasks by using their existing skills or by learning new ones and we are looking to add to that resource.

“The new volunteers could get involved in practical work such as repairing footpaths, drystone walling and surveying historic features, species and habitats, as well as leading our programme of guided walks and supporting education activities – the list is long and varied.”

Becoming a Dales Volunteers is a long-term volunteering opportunity aimed at those who can give at least 15 days per year.

To apply, volunteers must live within 35 miles of one of the YNDPA’s southern bases (Grassington or Stainforth), or within 40 miles of a northern one (Hawes or Aysgarth Falls).

The YDNPA sets these parameters to be mindful of its carbon footprint and the cost to support volunteers in carrying out their duties.

The deadline for applications is August 23.