AN award-winning holiday park in the heart of the North Yorkshire Moors is reopening to the public tomorrow.

Relieved owner Mark Goodson is looking forward to an exciting, enjoyable and productive year, following a stop-start 2020.

He said: “To say I am thrilled is an understatement. This has been a stressful time for everyone in the UK, as Covid-19 brought the country to a standstill. Now, as lockdown eases, there is some real light at the end of the tunnel at last. “First and foremost, I would like to extend the warmest of welcomes to our loyal and patient caravan and lodge owners. We are consistently amazed and humbled by the positive comments we receive from our owners on site. Many have said how much they have missed being here for much of last year and we will be delighted to have them back. It hasn’t been easy for them.

“We believe that the peace, beauty and serenity here will be the ideal antidote to the stresses and strains of the past 12 months and we are going to ensure that Wayside is the perfect place to relax this year – and to forget about the pressure of the lockdown. It also goes without saying that the interests of our owners are uppermost in our minds and we are ensuring that Wayside is incredibly safe and Covid-free.

Wayside is in Wrelton, between Kirkbymoorside and Pickering and last year they received the David Bellamy Gold Conservation Award.

Rufus Bellamy, son of the biologist and television personality Dr David Bellamy who started the awards more than 25 years ago, presented the accolade.

Assisted by nature groups and holidaymakers, judges looked at the park management, from the protection of plant and animal habitats to the efficient use of energy and recycling.

Mark said: “If you are thinking about buying the ideal holiday home over the next few months, now is the time to look. We have a number of spare pitches and new lodges on the park, which are ideal for anyone wanting to get away from it all and making a home in one of the most beautiful parts of the UK.

“I feel that, because of Covid-19, foreign travel is out for many people for the foreseeable future.

“Thoughts will be turning to risk-free holidays in this country. For those who don’t know Wayside, it is a haven of tranquillity of beauty in the North York Moors National Park.

“We are within easy reach of Yorkshire’s breath-taking coastline, historic market towns, world-class heritage and mile upon mile of superb walking country.”