A NEW tourism initiative hopes to bring new life to North Yorkshire's churches and attract more visitors.

For the first time, Yorkshire Tourist Board (YTB) will meet at a specially organised conference with North Yorkshire Church Tourism Initiative, in Harrogate, at the end of the month.

The seminar, entitled Making our Buildings Sing, will consider a number of topics, including organising successful events, looking after visitors and lottery funding for church heritage projects.

David Andrews, YTB chief executive, said: "More than 100 delegates from churches and church groups throughout North Yorkshire have signed up for the conference already and we would welcome more.

"Churches in the region have a huge amount of cultural, religious, social and architectural history to offer the visitors.

"This conference will help the people who run our churches day-to-day to give our visitors a better understanding of their importance and enhance the visitor's experience."

Representatives from church groups across the county can attend the conference free of charge. To book, contact Zoe Kemp on (01977) 614764.