AN environmental project to encourage sustainable travel and tourism in the Yorkshire Dales has won a European award.

It was judged best at "promoting ecologically-sound travel and tourism" by the Austrian government, which has just taken up presidency of the EU.

The competition, which aims to find best practices in Europe, was organised before the start today in Vienna of a major conference organised by three Austrian ministries.

It was won by Target - Travel Awareness Regions Group for Environmental Transport - which involved a number of agencies and ended last June.

The Yorkshire Dales element of the project aimed to promote travel to, and within, the National Park by alternative methods of transport to the car.

It included promoting social inclusion, supporting the rural economy and the health benefits of countryside visits.

It also devised a programme of marketing campaigns aimed at car users, young people and socially excluded groups.

Andy Ryland, the park's transport and visitor management officer, said: "I am absolutely delighted that the Austrian government has recognised the work of the Target project as being of European significance.

"The award highlights the need for integrating transport, tourism and sustainability, which was exactly what the partners of the Target project were trying to do.

"The opportunity to take part in the conference will not only enable us to share what we have learnt, but also to learn a great deal from delegates from other regions who are facing similar problems with regard to sustainability and climate change, which, after all, is the biggest threat to the environment and prosperity of the Yorkshire Dales."