WORKSHOPS are taking place to encourage people to get involved in community plans.

Thirsk Regeneration Initiative held the first of four events at Kirby Wiske Village Hall last month.

The sessions begin with a presentation by members of the regeneration initiative explaining what the group is trying to achieve.

Two weeks later, a workshop is held to identify areas for improvement, including the economy and environment, community issues, transport and local services.

A number of project ideas were identified in the first session at Kirby Wiske, ranging from a small scheme to improve the village noticeboard to a much larger environmental improvement plan.

Linda Gibbon, steering group member of the Thirsk Regeneration Initiative, said: "We hope these workshops will encourage more people from the rural areas of Thirsk to become involved in the initiative and therefore influence future plans for the area.

"The first workshop brought in residents from Kirby Wiske, but they are open to anyone living in the 42 villages surrounding Thirsk."

The remaining three workshops take place in Kilburn Village Hall on May 22 and June 5, Sandhutton and Breckenbrough Village Hall, on June 26 and July 10 and Dalton Village Hall on September 11 and 25.

For details, call (01609) 767212.