The national park authority is worried that the rising cost of houses is forcing some local people to move away.

It is contributing to a study to look at ways of helping to provide low cost housing in Upper Wensleydale, Swaledale, and Arkengarthdale.

Under the initiative, private and public sector investors with an interest in the Dales would invest in a housing fund for local people.

Steve Macare, chairman of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said the study was welcomed.

He said: "It will explore an exciting new approach to providing more local residents, particularly young people and families, with the opportunity to buy local property."

"With house prices continuing to rise and local incomes continuing to fall below the national average, it is becoming increasingly difficult for local people to buy the properties they need to stay in the area."

Funding for the study is also being provided by Yorkshire Forward, the Countryside Agency, and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.