The first Changing Places accessible toilet in the North York Moors National Park is now open at Sutton Bank, near Thirsk.

Changing Places toilets provide essential equipment such as adjustable benches, hoists and extra space for caregivers.

The radar key operated toilet at Sutton Bank National Park Centre has been funded as part of a grant from National Grid’s Landscape Enhancement Initiative.

Chris Pye, centre manager, said: “We have always worked hard to ensure as many people as possible had access to the famous Sutton Bank views, but over the last two years, this has really switched up a gear.

(Image: NYMNPA)

“We now have two all-terrain Tramper vehicles available to hire through our partnership with Outdoor Mobility and a choice of two stunning trails, including to Kilburn White Horse. We’re incredibly proud to be adding a Changing Places toilet to our list of facilities, as we know these make such a crucial difference to so many families.”

All-terrain Trampers are now available at seven locations across the North York Moors, with a new vehicle and trail launched at Danby Lodge National Park Centre earlier this month. Both National Park Centres also have robust, custom-built wheelchairs available to borrow free of charge.

It has been a big year at Danby Lodge, with the much-anticipated new playground opening shortly before the summer holidays. The playground itself is designed with accessibility at heart, featuring a level platform that provides wheelchair access to the top of a double-width slide.