York and other areas of North Yorkshire are open for business this weekend, despite the foot and mouth crisis.

While movement on farmland in the region is severely restricted, particularly following the outbreak in Wensleydale, tourism chiefs are eager to send out the message that not everywhere is affected.

The Ryedale Folk Museum, in Hutton-le-Hole, is set to open on Sunday, but manager Kevin Sims fears visitors will stay away.

Joanna Royle, head of strategic marketing, Yorkshire Tourist Board, said: "There is no cause for concern to potential visitors to Yorkshire who do not intend to walk on farmland or moorland.

"But we would urge the public to check with the individual operator."

Yorkshire Water was warning ramblers to stay away from its North Yorkshire sites. They are the Cod Beck reservoir, on the North York Moors; Scar House, Angram, Grimwith, and Thornton Steward reservoirs, in North Nidderdale; Thruscross, Fewston, Swinsty, Beaver Dyke, John O'Gaunt, Scargill and Ten Acres reservoirs, in Washburn Valley and Haverah Park; Embsay reservoir, in Aire Valley. Ryedale Vintage Tractor and Engine Club has cancelled a talk on the RNLI, at The Beansheaf Hotel, Kirbymisperton, on Monday.

Updated: 12:00 Friday, March 09, 2001