Upper Nidderdale in line for conservation grant

The area is characterised by moorland, drystone walls and barns

A conservation project that aims to improve and protect part of the Yorkshire Dales has won support from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

The HLF said Upper Nidderdale was a "dramatic part of Yorkshire's countryside" and had a "huge diversity of flora, fauna and bird populations".

The HLF has agreed in principle to pay Harrogate Borough Council £1.2m to carry out conservation work.

The council has been given £48,400 so it can prepare a final bid for funding.

The Upper Nidderdale area is an official area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB).

Harrogate borough councillor Nigel Simms, chairman of the Nidderdale AONB group, said the HLF's support was the "best news".

He added: "We are delighted this award will help to meet the cost of getting Upper Nidderdale's natural and historic environment back into tip-top condition once again."