A FOUR-year plan aimed at improving a county’s health has been published.

The aims of County Durham’s first Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy include cutting early deaths and improving quality of life for people with long-term conditions.

The document was drawn up following consultation with the public.

This led to some extra focus being placed on improving children’s oral health, reducing exposure to second-hand smoke and reducing the impact of fuel poverty.

The report will be presented to Durham County Council’s cabinet at Durham’s County Hall on Wednesday, along with the Joint Strategy Needs Assessment 2012.

Councillor Lucy Hovvels, the council’s cabinet member for safer and healthier communities, said: “These two documents will guide the work of ourselves and our partners in tackling health inequalities and improving the wellbeing of the county’s population.

“It is important that it reflects the needs of the public and the organisations we work with so I am particularly pleased that we have been able to incorporate the suggestions we received through consultation.”