A RURAL strategy highlighting goals for local communities has been launched in the East Riding of Yorkshire.

Approved by East Riding of Yorkshire Council last month, the East Riding Rural Strategy was officially launched at Bishop Burton College on Friday (9 November).

It follows a consultation that attracted more than 900 comments and submissions.

The strategy will operate alongside other council plans and policies, said the local authority.

It will identify important objectives and actions for the benefit of rural communities and land use in the county, and contribute to the council's corporate priorities.

The strategy was developed by the council and the East Riding Rural Partnership.

It has been is designed to help rural communities and businesses build a more prosperous and secure future.

The partnership is a forum which holds meetings, events and conferences to discuss issues that affect people living in the rural communities of the East Riding.

It provides a strong 'rural voice' and promotes the economic and social wellbeing of residents living in rural communities by responding to consultation documents.

The forum also informs policy makers and lobbies for resources and service delivery to be equitable in rural areas.

The council's rural policy and partnerships team works with community members and other organisations on a range of rural issues and projects.

The team also co-ordinates the East Riding of Yorkshire Rural Partnership and the East Riding of Yorkshire and Kingston upon Hull Joint Local Access Forum.

The full strategy document can be downloaded here.