WALKERS could soon be able to Tweet pictures while walking in the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Parks thanks to improved mobile network coverage.

The Mobile Operators Association and National Parks England have agreed to work together to improve mobile phone reception in the two national parks through a plan designed to protect the character and landscape of the area.

The news has been welcomed by Countryside Alliance, who said that improvements in digital communication would prove vital to tourism.

Sarah Lee, Countryside Alliance head of policy, said: “Good digital communications are essential in a modern world and this accord could improve coverage for communities and businesses based in national parks and for the millions of tourists which visit. For far too long rural communities have been treated like second class citizens when it comes to mobile and broadband connectivity and it is time this digital divide is closed.”

Before operators can start rolling out coverage, discussions will be held with the national parks to determine what is needed and how best to install it.