THE long-term future of visitor information services in one of North Yorkshire's tourist honeypots has been secured.

The tourist information centre (TIC) in Helmsley has been re-located.

Its new location is in the visitor centre of the town's castle, which opened last year at a cost of £800,000.

Tourism chiefs believe the move will strengthen access to free tourist information across the area, particularly during winter months, when longer opening hours are planned.

All four staff from the previous TIC location in the town hall have been retained.

English Heritage's visitor operations manager John Lax said: "I'm sure it will make an excellent impression on those making it their first port of call.

"As tourism professionals, we know that a strong and impartial information gateway is absolutely crucial to everyone in the local economy."

The new TIC is located near long-term car-park and is accessible to less-mobile visitors.

It will be partly funded by Ryedale District Council, but managed by English Heritage.