PEOPLE who care about the countryside are being given the chance to influence how it is managed.

Residents of County Durham and Northumberland have been invited to become members of two new bodies being set up as part of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

The Local Access Forums will provide advice to local authorities and the Countryside Agency on how the countryside can be explored and enjoyed in the 21st Century.

Applicants for the groups with relevant skills, knowledge and experience and a wide range of interests will be particularly valuable.

One forum will cover the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, in Northumberland and County Durham, and the other will be for the remainder of County Durham.

A third forum for the remainder of Northumberland will be established in the New Year.

Councillor Bob Pendlebury, Durham County Council member for sustainability, said: "Membership of the forums will reflect the broad interests of people who live, work or enjoy the countryside and wish to contribute positively to the improvement of public access.

"A wide range of experience is needed, including people with disabilities, walkers, horse riders, as well as those interested in recreation, land management, tourism, nature conservation, heritage, business, health, trade unions and transport."

Groups will have between ten and 22 members and meet at least twice a year.

Anyone interested in joining should write to Rights of Way Section, Environment and Technical Services, Durham County Council, County Hall, Durham, DH1 5UQ, for an application pack. They can also call Durham County Council on 0191-383 3452, or David Brookes, at Northumberland County Council on (01670) 534072.

Interviews will take place in late January.