CAVERS from throughout Britain and many from Europe are expected to converge on the Yorkshire Dales this summer to celebrate their sport - and to show it off to the public.

The fifth European Speleological Congress is to be hosted for the first time in the UK by the British Caving Association along with the the European Speleological Federation.

The week-long festival of British caving will run from August 13 to 20 at the Dalesbridge Centre, near Austwick.

Up to 1,500 people are expected to attend the event, many staying under canvass others in bunkhouses, youth hostels and guest houses.

Among the events are field trips, workshops and training sessions covering all aspects of caving, a range of caving competitions, entertainment, a conference banquet and bar.

A highlight will be trips for cavers and non-cavers who will have the chance to be winched down the spectacular 120-foot shaft of Gaping Gill on Ingleborough, courtesy of Craven Pothole Club.

People who have never taken the spectacular trip will see a main chamber measuring 145 metres long, 25 metres wide and 35 metres high - and could accommodate the nave of York Minister.

Les Williams, the event manager, said: "This is a showcase for British caves and particularly those in Yorkshire. We don't have the deepest or the longest, but we do have world class caves and I genuinely believe there are no better sporting caving trips in Yorkshire and I've caved all over the world.

"When we were considering where to hold the event it didn't take five seconds to decide on Yorkshire which has some of the most challenging systems".

During the event some of the finest caves in the area would be permanently rigged allowing for comparatively easy access, including some exchange trips.

"The event is in the heart of the spectacular Yorkshire Dales National Park, so for anyone looking to spend the day on the surface, there is no shortage of excellent walking, climbing and cycling around the venue," he added

The congress is sponsored by the venue, Dalesbridge, and SpanSet UK, which has donated six kilometres of rope to rig several caves in the dales throughout the whole week.

The British Caving Association is the governing body for underground exploration in the United Kingdom. It represents individuals and groups with a genuine interest in caves and karst - areas of limestone containing sinkholes, underground streams and caverns - whether from a strictly sporting viewpoint, a scientific viewpoint, or a combination of both.

Some of its major goals are to improve access to caves and sites of speleological interest and to seek better public understanding about the activity, promote training and to encourage and support cave conservation.

Cavers have been pressing for freer access to potholes and several areas have had access restrictions relaxed or improved relatively recently.

The Council of Northern Caving Clubs expects that most caving areas will have free access in the next few months.

* Tickets to the congress are £120 for adults, £80 for concessions, £15 for under 15s and free for children under six.