On the route of the Coast to Coast walk and the Lyke Wake Walk in the North York Moors national park

A national park will celebrate its diamond jubilee this year.

The North York Moors national park was Britain’s sixth, and came into existence in 1952.

The park authority has organised a series of art events, including a moorland festival at the Sutton Bank national park centre, in the run-up to the 60th anniversary of the North York Moors gaining national park status, on 28 November.

A free exhibition by five artists and photographers who live in the area will run at the Inspired By… gallery in Danby from May to July. An £8,000 National Lottery grant, through Arts Council England, has funded the event.

Yorkshire Dance will also perform at various locations in the 1,436 sq km (554 sq mile) national park.

North York Moors National Park Authority chief executive Andy Wilson said: “The UK’s national parks are as important today as they’ve ever been providing a wide range of opportunities to experience the great outdoors and enjoy a wide range of heritage and natural beauty.

“Please join us in celebrating the 60th anniversary of the North York Moors either by coming along to one of our events or just getting out and about in the wonderful countryside of this much-loved place.”

The Coast to Coast Walk, the Lyke Wake Walk and the Cleveland Way all pass through the North York Moors. The area has almost 2,300km (1,430 miles) of paths and tracks open to walkers, many of which are also bridleways for use by cyclists.