Sizzling N Yorks hoping to catch up on lost trade...

RECORD temperatures are heading this way - and tourism chiefs hope it will mean visitors will come flocking back to North Yorkshire.

Weather forecasters are predicting a two-week heatwave which could see temperatures hitting a scorching 29C, or 84F.

The spell of good weather is hoped to bring much-needed business back to the region, still struggling because of the ongoing foot-and-mouth crisis.

Steve Jaques, chairman of Ryedale Tourism Association, said: "It's good for the area because people will get into the holiday mood. It will be great for the local economy.

"We have to tell people it's happening out here. Hopefully we'll get people into the countryside in the areas they are able to use."

There are plenty of footpaths and rights of way open in the region. And visitors are welcome to head to Dalby Forest for a picnic in the woods. But walkers are advised to check their route for restrictions and adhere to Footpath Closed notices, especially through more tightly-controlled zones.

On the East Coast, many in the tourism industry are confident the sunshine will send visitors searching for their buckets and spades.

Kevin Barrand, resorts manager for Scarborough, Whitby and Filey, said: "We are delighted the forecasters have given us two weeks of scorching weather.

"The coast is always the place to go to. Everything is open and we are ready and waiting. It couldn't have been better timed for us with the start of the school holidays."

Gillian Cruddas, of York Tourism Bureau, agreed the hot weather will attract visitors. But she admitted she would like a few cloudier days as well.

She said: "For a lot of York's indoor attractions we don't want it too hot. They'll be hoping for the odd cloudy day because they do suffer when the sun is shining."

And she added: "Obviously, if the coastal resorts do well then people come to York for day trips.

"And for people staying in the city there is loads to do right on the doorstep, like Castle Howard and the North York Moors."

It seems the essential holiday accessories for a break in North Yorkshire are going to be suncream, sunglasses and, of course, a huge ice cream cone.

Updated: 11:20 Saturday, July 28, 2001