CHURCHES in North Yorkshire have become a new tourist attraction and are earning much-needed funds.

The scheme, pioneered by the Yorkshire Tourist Board and known as the North Yorkshire Church Tourism Initiative, is run by Zoe Kemp, who said: "Its success has exceeded everyone's expectations, and it's all due to the enthusiasm with which it has been received by the churches involved."

There are now 227 churches involved which feature in seven specially-designed colour guides.

An increased number of visitors has resulted in extra donations in collecting boxes and a rise in the sale of memorabilia and candles.

In the remote hamlet of Bransdale, a popular spot with tourists, the rise in visitors also benefits the economy.

Information about hotels, bed and breakfast accommodation and restaurants is displayed in St Nicholas' Church, built by the Earl of Feversham in 1886 for £300.

"In many villages, the church is at the centre of the community," said Ms Kemp, who added that churches were now working with schools on local history projects.

The aim of the scheme was to encourage and enable congregations to look at new ways of bringing their buildings to life for visitors who often saw them when they were empty and seemingly devoid of activity.

Grants totalling £13,000 have been given to promote the scheme, publish brochures and provide funding for information for visitors.

The scheme, which has its own web site, is backed by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Countryside Agency, Yorkshire Forward, the national park authority, Scarborough Borough and Ryedale District Councils, and the Catholic, Anglican and Methodist Churches in North Yorkshire.

"It has been a great success, and we are sure it will become even more popular. There is a great deal of interest in old churches, and North Yorkshire has a great wealth of them," said Ms Kemp.

An added bonus is that visitors often leave donations in collecting boxes which helps the churches, many of which are severely lacking in funds.