OLDER people are being given the chance to shape policy in their home towns.

About 400 invitations are being circulated to organisations to join the Redcar and Cleveland Older People's Partnership Board.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's member for health and social services, Valerie Halton, said: "The aim of the board is to meet once a quarter to give older people a real opportunity to contribute to and participate in shaping the future of the borough."

Membership will include representatives from the council's key service areas, including social services, education, development, area management, along with primary health care services, the voluntary and community sector and members of the public.

The official launch will be at Guisborough Cricket Club, Rectory Lane, Guisborough, on Wednesday, April 27. Members of the public aged 50 and over are welcome.

Contact Tracy Calvert at Redcar and Cleveland Partnership on (01642) 444241 for more details.