The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust has held the first ever conference about nature tourism in the region at Bridlington Spa.

Attendees from across the UK and Europe met up with representatives of the East Yorkshire business community in what has been hailed as a successful initiative.

Martin Batt, the nature tourism manager at the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, said: "Never before have we had the chance to get together with so many local businesses and both UK and international delegates. The opportunities the conference afforded those who were trying to grow their businesses using nature tourism were invaluable."

The event served to develop links for those that work within the sector and allowed people to discuss how to use the magnificent local scenery to boost tourism in the region.

Councillor Jane Evison said that the area has many "great assets" and that nature tourism could prove highly beneficial. Dee Mitchell, who works for the Leader Coast, Wolds, Wetlands and Waterways Local Action Group, added that nature tourism could provide valuable employment opportunities for local people.

Copyright Press Association 2012