A major drive has been launched to encourage more people to visit the countryside following the foot and mouth crisis.

The drive comes as the good news is announced that walkers have been flocking back into the countryside in Bradford district to some of their favourite haunts.

Bolton Abbey, near Skipton, one of the most popular locations in the district, and the Yorkshire Dales Railway at Embsay, have seen a surge in visitors in recent weeks.

The countryside drive was launched by Yorkshire Tourist Board and the Countryside Agency to get more people back into rural areas following the foot and mouth crisis.

Tourist trade representatives gathered at Bolton Abbey on Monday to kick-start the initiative, which included the promotion of two special websites.

They were also promoting the Your Countryside, You're Welcome week, to be held between March 11 and 17.

Yorkshire Dales Railway spokesman Stephen Walker said: "Things are already looking up.

"We had a record Christmas period. We had 12,000 visitors - 40 per cent up on the year before.

"That contrasted with earlier in the summer when, between March and June, we were 50 per cent down.

"I think these more recent figures are a very good omen for the future."

Mark Reid, writer and publisher of the Inn Way series of walking books, said he was also optimistic.

"Since Christmas my walking books have taken off again - sales are the best I've had for five years," he said.

"I think the foot and mouth and the impact of September 11 has made people realise how important walking is to the rural economy."

Moira Smith, Bolton Abbey visitor manager, said she had also seen a big increase.

"It has been wonderful to see the people coming back," she said.

David Andrews, Yorkshire Tourist Board chief executive, marked the countryside opening on Monday by leading a short walk along the bank of the River Wharfe.

He said he hoped to draw people back into the countryside by maximising what he called the immense good-will of Yorkshire people. "People have been very sensible and staying away because they didn't want to do anything wrong - now we are saying come back and get back into your old habits." he said.

A wide range of activities has been planned throughout the year, including the publication of a special pack for primary schools encouraging teachers to discuss the countryside.

The websites are accessible on yourcountryside.info and walkyorkshire.com.