The authorities running Wales' three national parks could soon be set for direct elections.

An independent review into the way Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and Pembrokeshire Coast national parks are run concluded that the quangos should be subject to a vote following a campaign from activists.

Currently the boards in charge are nominated from local authorities and agreed by the assembly government.

But a review commissioned by the assembly argued elections were the way forward.

It found members were usually chosen because they were available rather than on the basis of "interest in the national parks or a willingness to work within the guiding principals".

The three parks have played a vital role in the Welsh economy since they were set up in the 1950s.

"The importance of the national parks as national assets cannot be overstated," John Lloyd Jones of Countryside Council for Wales.

"The environment contributes nearly £9 billion to the Welsh economy each year. The environment is seen at its very best in our national parks, supporting many rural services and communities."

Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Nick Bourne, backed the calls for more openness.

"I welcome the recommendations made by the independent review into the country’s three national parks, and in particular that their authorities should be made up of people who are directly elected," he said.