THE public have been asked for their help to save some of North Yorkshire's most significant historic sites.

English Heritage, which owns or looks after many of the region's ancient buildings, among them Whitby Abbey, wants public support for its move to operating as an independent charity, which will come about after a shake-up in the way it is run.

Under the changes the organisation will be split in two - a new charity still called English Heritage will look after the National Heritage Collection, getting the tax breaks which come with charitable status, and Historic England, which will advise local authorities and home owners.

As part of securing its future the organisation is undertaking a recruitment of members who pay an annual fee of £39 for access to the National Heritage Collection.

Liz Page, English Heritage’s historic properties director for the north of the country, said: “We’ve always relied on the support of members, visitors and donors and now we’re calling on them to help us safeguard these sites. When we pass them on to the next generation, we want to pass them on in good shape.”

The Government will award £80million towards the safeguarding and improvement of English Heritage properties when changes come into effect in April next year, and there are plans to carry out work at Rievaulx, in Helmsley, where proposals for the abbey include the modernisation and extension of the museum.