Ribblehead viaduct formed the backdrop to the signing of a partnership agreement between the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Low Tatras National Park in Slovakia.

The hand of friendship was extended from the beautiful Dales to the great wilderness of Slovakia, where wolves and black bear still roam, in a formal three year agreement.

The bridge-building pact, which will see expertise shared, was signed by Dales authority chairman, Coun Robert Heseltine, and the director of Low Tatras National Park, Lubos Cillag.

Jon Avison, head of park management for the Dales, said: "The Low Tatras is a very mountainous area coming under increasing pressure as Eastern Europe opens up to tourists.

"Managing that change while protecting a unique environment is a key objective for our Slovakian colleagues," he added.

"We will be offering support and training and also seeking good ideas to implement here in the Yorkshire Dales."

The partnership is being funded with European Union cash, under the Europarc initiative.

During their visit the Slovakian delegation will be looking at communications strategies and community projects.

On the agenda are visits to Settle High School, a farm conservation scheme, Aysgarth Falls and the ARC quarry at Ribblehead.

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