A scheme which encourages visitors to the North York Moors National Park to leave their cars at home is to operate daily throughout the summer.

The Moorsbus Network - already the most comprehensive recreational public transport system in any National Park - will run more than 200 services a day seven days a week from Sunday, until September 2.

Sunday services will also be extended by a month to the end of October.

The move by the North York Moors National Park Authority - in response to the Government's Integrated Transport White Paper - was today welcomed by wildlife and conservation campaigners.

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust spokesman Pete Bowler said: "If you're in South Yorkshire, for example, and you want to visit the North York Moors, the temptation is to blast up the A1 and A19 by car. This expansion of the Moorsbus scheme is good news because, clearly, all the National Parks have the risk of their wildlife interest being damaged by vehicle pressure, emissions and so on."

He added: "We would look for an increasingly integrated public transport system. The key is to make it affordable for families."

Funding for the expanded service is being provided by North Yorkshire County Council, which has been allocated money through the Government's Rural Bus Grant scheme.

Regular Moorsbus services are provided from towns and cities including York, Scarborough, Beverley, and Hull. Shuttle services are also provided to many villages within the National Park.

At present, more than 90 per cent of visitors arrive by car. It is hoped that increasing Moorsbus services at the height of the season will lead to a reduction in this figure and provide environmental benefits.

Bill Breakell, the National Park's tourism and transport officer, said: "August services were originally scheduled for Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

"The additional financial support from North Yorkshire County Council means that this popular service can be extended at the time when there is greatest pressure on the roads in the National Park."

Mr Breakell added: "This major initiative to extend the Moorsbus service offers superb value for visitors, local communities and the environment."

Services are aimed at local residents - particularly the elderly and young people; day visitors from surrounding areas of Yorkshire and the North-East; and holidaymakers staying in the area.

All-day tickets, including integrated tickets for the North Yorkshire Moors Steam Railway and the Esk Valley Railway, make it easier for people to get about within the National Park.

A £2 ticket allows all-day travel, getting on and off buses at any point as long as it is safe to do so, while a family of two adults and up to four children can travel for only £5.

Moorsbus timetables are available from tourist information centres or by telephoning 01439 770657.

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