A new rural strategy aims to deliver better services to local communities in Essex.

The document sets out 38 priorities for rural residents – highlighting what is important for those who live and work in rural Essex, and for the environment.

Called 'Respecting our Past, Embracing our Future: A Strategy for Rural Essex', it is available to download from the Essex Rural Partnership website.

Its launch follows over 18 months of preparation work, undertaken by a variety of partners and co-ordinated by the Rural Community Council of Essex with support from Essex County Council.

The strategy envisions a county which values and respects its rural environment; and where rural communities fully contribute to and benefit from a healthy, prosperous and connected Essex.

It is intended that this vision will be achieved by focusing on four aims: prosperity, well-being, connection and innovation.

Representatives of more than 80 organisations came together to launch the strategy, which includes a six-step plan detailing how its goals will be achieved.

Essex County council leader David Finch pledged the local authority's support to the strategy and asked other organisations to do likewise.

Other speakers included agricultural and rural reverend Janet Nicholls, who presented a case study on 'Old Age and How to Live It'.

Grower Dale Symons thanked for the Essex Rural Partnership for bringing Leader funding to Essex, which had benefitted to his rural vineyard business and boosted local employment.

At the launch event those present were encouraged to pledge their support for the strategy, and to tie it to a Rowan tree, specially sourced for the occasion.

The pledges will be recorded, and the tree planted at an Essex country park later this year – a growing symbol of the strategy and its partners working towards it.

To read more about the strategy, to download a copy, to see the summary of vision, aims and priorities, and to access the evidence documents click here.