RESIDENTS and organisations have given their backing to the creation of a Redcar and Cleveland Older People's Partnership Board.

The initiative by the Redcar and Cleveland Partnership, a mix of public, private, voluntary and community sector representatives from across the borough, was welcomed at an inaugural meeting in Guisborough Cricket Club.

The more than 70 people present, including representatives of organisations and residents, split into discussion groups to debate issues ranging from leisure and adult education to the environment.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's cabinet member for health and social services Councillor Valerie Halton and director of health and social care Maurice Bates outlined the board's aims.

Councillor Halton said: "We have had a very positive meeting, which produced some extremely useful feedback.

"We're not just talking about social services, but all services for older people. We want to ensure that this group can have a say in how the council prioritises.

"We are determined to make sure that the people do have a say in how the council spends their money and this board is one positive way of achieving that."

For more information, contact Tracy Calvert at the Redcar and Cleveland Partnership on (01642) 444241.