AN expert on extra-terrestrial phenomena is hoping that the return of walkers to Ilkley Moor will see a corresponding increase in the sightings of UFOs.

Nigel Mortimer's popular UFO tours around the moor had to be suspended last year because footpaths were closed due to foot and mouth disease.

And Mr Mortimer is hoping that Ilkley's hard-pressed tourist industry might receive a boost from people on the lookout for evidence of alien visitations to the area.

He said that the regular tours of the areas of the moors where strange phenomena have been observed had to lapse last year because of foot and mouth restrictions and his own absence from the area.

"I am now back and I will be running the UFO tours this year. Everyone is welcome on the tours which will be held on most Saturdays during the summer months," Mr Mortimer said.

Ilkley Moor has a long history of strange happenings and is (apparently) a favourite hunting ground for aliens from another planet.

During the tours visitors will be able to follow in the footsteps of a policeman who claimed he was abducted by aliens in the 1980s and where a 'little green man' was spotted.

There are also well documented hot-spots where unidentified flying objects have been sighted regularly.

A book published in 1993 claimed that 'little green goblin-like entities' were found sampling the water at White Wells in 1878.

Mr Mortimer said: "I am particularly interested in running two special walks during the year in support of Cancer Research, with all the proceeds going to the charity in question."

During the recent months Mr Mortimer said that the number of possible UFO sightings had diminished.

"It has been very quiet lately, but it will go quiet for a couple of years then we will get a spate of them.

"When sightings have been reported, more people come forward - it is just getting the people to come forward," said Mr Mortimer.

Mr Mortimer's organisation, Connect UFO Investigations UK, has a web site which goes all over the world and he said he was happy to offer free web space advertisements for businesses willing to sponsor the Ilkley UFO tours.

He said: "It might bring in more visitors to Ilkley. We are not just in this business to make money we are also in it to educate people as well."

Anyone interested in going on one of the UFO tours should contact Mr Mortimer on (01943) 874077, or visit his web site at (www.nigel3.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk).

Mr Mortimer said: "Whether you are a believer of Alien visitations or not, judge for yourself by taking part in this fascinating tour package.

It's ideal for those willing to expand their minds, knowledge and expectations." Tours cost £6 for adults and £3 for children.