INCREASING the number of childcare places within more rural parts of the county has been targeted as a priority for Dales councillor Betsy Hill in her new leading role.

Stepping into the shoes of former chairman of the North Yorkshire Early Years and Childcare Partnership Dr Brenda Thiede, Coun Hill has become the new figurehead to guide children through their early years.

"Early years education provides the foundation for children's learning. It is invaluable for identifying at a very early stage any problems children may have with communicating or learning," said the Pickering and Dales county councillor.

"By following the development of children through nursery into primary education, the contribution that quality early years provision makes is clearly demonstrated and acknowledged."

The Childcare partnership was set up four years ago to ensure the county's 5,000 three and four-year-olds received at least a half day place at nursery.

It comprises members of the county council, private and voluntary sector providers and representatives from training and health interests.

Having been a county councillor for the past 20 years, she sees her role as a natural progression in her commitment to education in North Yorkshire.