youngsters are being encouraged to get out into the fresh air and explore their heritage at the same time.

Ryedale’s Great Wold Valley Heritage Trail has donated information panels exploring the trail and its highlights to primary schools.

The trail follows an 11-mile route from Wharram-le-Street to Foxholes, via Duggleby, Kirby Grindalythe, West Lutton, East Lutton, Helperthorpe, Weaverthorpe and Butterwick, along the course of the Gypsey Race, the most northerly chalk stream in England.

The trail, which was launched last autumn, was created by a group of local volunteers, funded by LEADER and the Heritage Lottery Fund to celebrate the heritage, landscape and wildlife of the Valley.

An information board in each village explores the heritage and geology of the area.

Great Wold Valley Heritage Trail project manager Andy Macdonald said: “Whether by cycle, car or motorbike the trail is designed to be family-friendly. After discussion with the headteachers, we thought it would be a great idea to give copies of the information panels to give to the primary schools in the valley.”

Luttons Primary School acting headteacher Julie Lee said: “I feel passionate that all children should engage with their surroundings.

“Many children are unaware of the amazing countryside in which they live and are oblivious to its uniqueness. If rural environments and communities are to thrive then children must be encouraged to investigate and appreciate them.”

Janet Deacon, North Yorkshire area director of tourism group Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “This is a great excuse to get the children outside, and help them to learn about the fascinating history, geology and natural history of the place where they live.”