THE Tourism Association of North Yorkshire (TANY) celebrates the launch of 40th annual Visitor Guide this week.

The glossy A4 Guide showcases all that is best about the county and is instrumental in drawing tourists from all over the world.

This year, the association salutes one of North Yorkshire’s most celebrated sons, author Peter Walker (aka Nicholas Rhea), whose Constable books were turned into the TV hit Heartbeat, and who died last year.

TANY chairman Ena Dent said: “Peter’s novels and the TV show did so much to boost visitor numbers to the North York Moors National Park, and his daughter and Countryman’s Daughter columnist.

"Sarah writes a tribute to her father, revealing the little known real story behind the TV beat bobby.

“Sticking with the policing theme, we find out what it’s like to be a rural police community support officer as we speak to Ruth Pearson from Skipton, we discover the tricks of the trade with the Stick Man of Helmsley, Keith Pickering and we also sample the delights of Castle Howard, as well as having this magnificent stately home adorning the front cover too.

"We also look at the work of renowned Masham landscape artist Ian Scott Massie, and focus on some of the stunning spots within the Yorkshire Dales which makes this part of the world so unique and special.”

Some of North Yorkshire’s most celebrated attractions are TANY members, including Scampston Walled Garden, the Yorkshire Air Museum, Eden Camp and the Hare Restaurant.

Baroness McIntosh of Pickering has again written a foreword for the guide.

The launch will take place at the York Bird of Prey Centre, which is a TANY member, and is located within the grounds of Burn Hall, near Huby.

This is the second year that TANY has had its visitor guide produced by local IT and web design company Blue Box Support.

Ena said: “We are so pleased with this year’s finished product.

“Ian and Chris at Blue Box Support have really done us and our county proud. “

She added: “Our region deserves something this special to do justice to all the amazing things we have to offer.

"We’ve already had requests for copies of the guide from as far afield as Oregon in the USA, as well as Australia, Canada, Italy, Belgium, Germany and Malaysia.”

For more information, visit visityorkshire.com, follow TANY on Facebook or on Twitter @TourismNYorks or on Instagram at Tourismnorthyorks