HOPES are high that an outdoor education centre in a remote spot in the North York Moors National Park will be saved.

The Great Fryupdale Centre, near Danby, is under threat because it needs funding to carry out maintenance and repair work, said Chris Magee, head of outdoor education for North Yorkshire County Council.

However, while its future after October has been put on hold, ways are being explored to keep it open, probably involving young people running it.

The centre is used by secondary and primary schools in North Yorkshire and from other counties, and by students from Leeds Metropolitan University, the Boys' Brigade and the Prince's Trust, said Mr Magee.

Pat Chandler, chairman of the national park's park services committee, said: "The potential loss of what remains an important and valued resource for schools and groups visiting the park will be immense."

The centre provided an excellent educational centre for field studies, she said.

"With new open access legislation and other initiatives introduced by the Government, it is more important than ever to take every opportunity to educate young people about the national park, encourage their appreciation of its special qualities and influence their attitudes and behaviour towards it.

"Losing the centre would represent the loss of a part of a network of interactive educational functions in the park. We are not criticising the county council but simply recording our recognition of the centre's value both existing and potential."