Thousands of slices of cake could bring sweet success to tourist attractions and businesses across much of North Yorkshire under a major new initiative launched today.

Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss is backing the decision by The North York Moors National Park Authority (NYMNPA) and North York Moors Tourism Network to declare the county's moors and coasts Britain’s Capital of Cake in honour of the many different types of cake and sweet delights served there.

Moggy cake, Grosmont tart, funeral biscuits, Ravenscar tea loaf and rhubarb frangipane are among afternoon tea delights visitors and residents can sample in the area and are featured on a new website: www.capitalofcake.com.

Catriona McLeeds, the authority's head of promotion and tourism said: “Each year thousands of homemade cakes are served to over seven million visitors to the National Park. When people visit our area, whether they’re cyclists, walkers or sightseers, having a slice of cake is very much part of their trip.

"It's traditional to bake for people to show you care, and this is a very hospitable area! We realised people have probably been baking in this area since the Vikings introduced a cake that became known as Yorkshire Parkin. This, combined with the incredible range of tastes and cake-eating locations in the North York Moors has led us to lay claim to be Britain's Capital of Cake!”

To mark the start of the initiative, Helmsley baker, Rhian Crusher of Celebrate! Country Cake Design has created the cake-map cake, depicting some of the scenic spots and tourist attractions of the North York Moors and coast in icing and sponge.

Ms Truss said she supported the idea and that a slice of cake with Yorkshire tea were two great reasons to visit the North York Moors.

Castle Howard, Ampleforth Abbey Tea Room, Crema Coffee House, the Buck Inn and Real Staithes are among more than 40 cafes and visitor attractions also supporting the scheme.