A NEW community group has been created to help shape the future of North Yorkshire's 8,600-acre forest.

The Friends of Dalby Forest has been launched, comprising of local people who want to make a contribution to the North York Moors beauty spot, near Pickering.

The Friends will help to develop recreational facilities, contribute towards the maintenance of the landscape and have a say in future management plans.

The Forestry Commission will help fund the venture by giving it 25 per cent of the revenue from the £20 forest drive season ticket.

It is hoped the Friends will be able expand membership from the 1,500 season ticket holders.

Forest District Manager Andrew Smith said: "Many people have expressed a wish to get involved in the running of the forest and, after organising open meetings last year, it was clear there was plenty of enthusiasm for a friends organisation.

"The group will help us take forward many ambitious plans and support conservation initiatives. They will also offer us feedback to make sure we get things right first time.

"It is an exciting venture and by far the biggest of its kind in Northern England."

Attracting 300,000 people a year, Dalby Forest is one of the country's leading venues for off-road cycling. It is home to an astronomy observatory and is an important source of timber.

Friends' chairman Graham Dixon said: "We are enthusiastic and committed to making a real contribution to the development of Dalby Forest as a unique woodland and recreational resource."

To subscribe to the group call (01751) 472771.