A DALES businesswoman has been appointed to lead a campaign to attract tourists through the promotion of local food and drink.

Helen Dalton has become the National Park Authority’s “destination co-ordinator”and has already had discussions with the Wensleydale Creamery about developing a programme of cheese-themed events and activities to take place this autumn.

She will be working with businesses through networking and training events; running a Facebook group called “Distinctly Dales - YDNPA business support” and creating food trails to connect visitors to the best the Dales has to offer.

The two-year post, funded by the Rural Development Programme for England, has been created to build on the work being done by existing tourism business networks operating in the Dales and Moors national parks, as well as the Howardian Hills and Nidderdale Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Helen has run Holmedale Bed and Breakfast in Askrigg for nine years, and also writes for the bi-monthly Superfood magazine.