Blue plaque unveiled for Yorkshire Dales writer

A blue plaque has been unveiled to celebrate the life of Yorkshire Dales writer and scientist Arthur Raistrick.

Mounted on the National Park Visitor Centre in Grassington, it describes him as a "polymath whose life's work help create the Yorkshire Dales National Park".

Raistrick, who lived in Linton, produced more than 330 books, papers and studies about North Yorkshire in his lifetime.

Speakers at the event on Friday said all who loved and cared for the Dales "owed him an enormous debt of gratitude".

David Butterworth, outgoing chief executive of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said one of his first acts in the job had been to dedicate a bench to Raistrick.

"Now, one of the last things I'm going to do is this, and I'm really honoured to do that," he added.

"Arthur Raistrick showed that deep knowledge, shared openly, can shape landscapes and communities.

"He proved that you do not need official power to make a powerful difference; you need only commitment and heart. So let his example inspire us."

Representatives of the Yorkshire Society's partners also gave speeches at the unveiling of the blue plaque.

Colin Speakman, from the Yorkshire Society and Friends of the Dales, said: "No individual has ever done more to increase our understanding and knowledge of the landscape and cultural heritage of the Yorkshire Dales than Dr Arthur Raistrick through his research, teaching and above all his writing.

"His campaigning work with both national and regional bodies had a crucial role in establishing the Yorkshire Dales National Park as a conservation body, and he served on its West Riding Committee for almost two decades.

"All of us who love and care for the Yorkshire Dales owe him an enormous debt of gratitude."

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.