RURAL communities will be spelling out their visions for the future under a project to rejuvenate the area.

An initiative to improve facilities and services for people in Weardale is being run by Durham Rural Community Council.

During the next few months, the organisation will hold a series of meetings to hear what facilities and services residents need in their villages, and issues that concern the whole dale.

The community council has secured funding for the project from One NorthEast, the Countryside Agency and Wear Valley District Council.

At the first meeting, in Wolsingham, residents said the village needed improved leisure facilities, more shops, local jobs, child care and waste recycling.

Project officer Maureen Thomas said: "The community council will help to produce local action plans and seek training and funding, where necessary, to develop the initiatives.

"These initiatives will help make the community a place where people can live, work and enjoy their leisure time without damaging the environment."

The next meetings are at Rookhope today, Stanhope next Wednesday, Frosterley on November 27 and Eastgate on December 6.

Anyone who is unable to attend the meetings but would like their ideas included can call Maureen at the Durham Dales Centre on (01388) 526364