A STRATEGY aimed at increasing cultural opportunities for people living in Hambleton has won council backing.

Called Improving Quality of Life, it will also examine ways of creating more green spaces and health.

Councillor Neville Huxtable, Hambleton District Council's spokesman for leisure, said: "We want to improve people's lives by extending cultural opportunities - sport, arts, museums, tourism, heritage, environment, in fact almost anything that people would wish to do in their spare time."

It has been drawn up following a number of public consultations and exhibitions.

It is designed to complement Hambleton's community plan, a separate project devised by the Hambleton Local Strategic Partnership, which covers issues affecting quality of life in the district.

Formulated under five community headings - prosperous, vibrant, sustainable, safe and healthy - it brings together work and support from the public, private, community and voluntary sectors.

By working in partnership, the plan's targets include strong business support, improved transport links, maximised tourism, reduced fear of crime, better health care and improved air quality.

Copies of the cultural strategy and community plan are available from leisure centres, libraries and all council offices. Alternatively, visit the council's website, at www.hambleton.gov.uk