SCORES of ancient North Yorkshire village churches may benefit from a new tourism scheme.

A partnership project has been set up between the Yorkshire Tourist Board and the Churches Regional Commission to promote historic churches.

Zoe Kemp, the project co-ordinator, said: "Churches can make a big contribution to helping rural tourism.

"Our aim is to promote and enhance the region's churches as spiritual, cultural and heritage assets."

In addition it is hoped church visitors will leave donations to help with church maintenance.

Many who are struggling to fund quota payments to the York Diocese also have to find cash to finance much-needed restoration work.

Churches which become involved in the scheme benefit from marketing opportunities, regionally and nationally, get access to information and training, and can get cash to fund projects to educate visitors through leaflets and interpretation boards.

Hambleton, Ryedale and Richmondshire district councils, North York Moors National Park Authority, Scarborough Council and the Countryside Agency are among those supporting the initiative which is being backed by Yorkshire Forward, The Countryside Agency, and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Corina Inverno, Ryedale's tourism officer said: "We welcome this project because of the many historic churches we have in the district.

"We have some lovely building and it is a splendid idea that we should share them with our visitors."

Most applications for cash are likely to be up to £1,000 according to David Andrews, Yorkshire Tourist Board's chief executive.

"Our churches as well as being places of worship are wonderful historic, cultural, educational and architectural assets," he said.

"The initiative will encourage people to visit the churches and the added bonus will be the increased contribution they will make to the local economy."