VILLAGERS in communities across the country’s biggest county are being urged to be good neighbours and offer their help to those who need it.

North Yorkshire is launching “Good Neighbour Schemes” operated by volunteers and to be run by a village or a defined area of a market town.

Co-ordinators will be supported by Rural Action Yorkshire (RAY), a local charity which has been funded by the county council’s Stronger Communities Programme to co-ordinate the project.

The kind of support offered might include helping with household tasks, dog-walking in bad weather, picking up prescriptions, giving a lift to the shops or the doctors or just simply providing some company.

There will be an additional focus on older people to help them to live in their homes independently for longer, to feel more connected to their neighbours, and reduce their need for health care services.

RAY’s chief officer Leah Swain said: “In 20 years time, one third of the population in North Yorkshire will be over 65 - that is one in three people - and there is going to be a heavy strain on our healthcare system.

“In rural areas we have taken it for granted that we all look out for our neighbours – but with more people commuting out of villages to work and returning late at night we sometimes need to provide a catalyst for good deeds.”

She added: “We aim to create seven schemes and deliver 200 helpful actions that directly benefit older people in our communities.

“Action inspires action and Good Neighbours can give support in a way that will hopefully inspire communities to look out for one another in times of need.”