A 50-YEAR plan that aims to promote Hambleton as a vibrant, safe and prosperous district will be launched this summer.

During the past 12 months a number of groups have compiled the Hambleton Community Plan.

Representatives from county and district councils, police, fire and rescue, the Environment Agency and the Highways Agency are among those who have formed the Local Strategic Partnership. The plan has been drawn up in draft form and will now undergo a two month public consultation process.

Partnership chairman and deputy leader of Hambleton District Council, Arthur Barker, said: "We want to create a Hambleton of sustainable, safe, healthy and prosperous communities where people participate in decisions that affect them, which is welcoming, values diversity and supports the disadvantaged.

"It is vital that our residents tell us what they think. This plan is for them - to protect Hambleton and make it a better place to work and live in."

The consultation process will be marked on Friday with the planting of a black poplar tree in Northallerton.