VISITORS to the North York Moors may be forgiven for doing a double-take as a variety of pink sheep pop up in villages, shop windows and tourist attractions over the coming months.

Around 200 sheep, ranging from tiny earrings to giant sculptures, are going on display as part of the ‘Lost Sheep in Pink Jersey’s’ campaign which runs fromJune 20 to September 20.

Businesses, individuals and schools across the North York Moors, Howardian Hills and Yorkshire Coast have given their backing to the campaign by making pink sheep - to reflect the colour of the National Park’s heather moorland - and donating over 150 prizes.

The campaign organisers hope it will introduce a fun element to people’s days out but also encourage new and repeat visitors to the area.

Catriona McLees, Head of Tourism and Promotion at the North York Moors National Park Authority, said: “I have been amazed and delighted at people’s creativity in making pink sheep in all shapes and sizes and am really looking forward to spotting them over the summer months.

"The area’s landscape and wildlife are a big draw but it is the people, businesses and attractions that make someone’s visit truly memorable and entice them to come back again and again."

She added: "I hope this campaign encourages people to take a closer look at the area and all it has to offer and would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has taken part.”

The ‘Lost Sheep’ campaign is being sponsored by Bils & Rye, Dalby Forest Lodges, Raven Hall Country House Hotel, Robin Hood Caravan Park, Rosella Cottage, Runswick Bay Caravan & Camping Park, Stylish Stays Luxury Holidays, Trailways and YHA. It is being run by the North York Moors Tourism Network which supports tourism and related businesses and now numbers more than 400 people.

To be in with a chance of winning one of the prizes, people need to spot three pink sheep and report their sightings at www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/pinksheep. People can enter as often as they like so long as it’s with different sheep each time. Prizes range from accommodation and free days out at key attractions to local produce and a transparent pink glass bowl from Gillies Jones Glass.