SOME 600 children enjoyed a free educational trip onto the North Yorkshire Moors to learn about the region’s unique habitat and wildlife.

The second annual "Let’s Learn Moor" event hosted over three days on Blakey Ridge in the heart of the national park saw children from Middlesbrough, Billingham and Ryedale treated to activities and walks.

It was organised by the North York Moors National Park, Countryside Learning, British Association for Shooting and Conservation and local gamekeepers among others.

BASC North regional officer Gareth Dockerty, who led the scheme, said: “It has been a fantastic opportunity for children to engage in their local habitats.

"We hope they have realised that it’s one big picture, with the gamekeepers, farmers, the National Park and the emergency services all working together for the benefit of these beautiful moors.”

“We showed the children the bell heather, they listened to the distinctive call of a lapwing, watched the keepers’ dogs at work and jumped up and down on the spongy moss.

"In essence, we explained to the children just how special this area is and how we achieve balance in this beautiful countryside.”