A NEW organisation has been launched to help boost the voice of the voluntary sector in the region.

Coast & Moors Voluntary Action has been created to cover the Scarborough and Whitby areas.

The move sees Whitby & District Voluntary Action and Scarborough District Council for Voluntary Action become one body.

It will work by providing direct support to more than 200 local voluntary and community groups.

It will help increase volunteering and help local community groups deliver a service to people.

Stephanie Sturrock, its chief executive, said: "This is a historic day for the voluntary and community sector in this area.

"From now on, the dozens of voluntary and community groups in this borough have a bigger, stronger voice to represent them."

A priority for Coast & Moors Voluntary Action is to set up a membership scheme.

It is hoped this will give local groups a voice to tell Coast & Moors Voluntary Action what they want.

Coast & Moors Voluntary Action can be contacted in Whitby on 01947-605256 and in Scarborough on 01723-362205.