A leisure strategy has been drawn-up to improve the lifestyles of people living in Durham City.

Durham City Council, which has developed the plan after a two-year study, aims to widen the provision of leisure facilities and activities and has 11 key aims.

These include making leisure more accessible and affordable, extending activities to meet community needs and improving people's health by promoting physical activity.

The council also hopes to provide more activities for young people, help reduce anti-social behaviour and improve parks and open spaces.

Deputy council leader, Councillor Grenville Holland, who is responsible for leisure, said: "This report is an important milestone in the development of leisure in Durham.

"First, it identifies the city council as an enabler rather than a service provider. Secondly, it recognises that, within a restricted budget, it must have funding targets.

"These will, with my active support, be directed towards the most disadvantaged members of our community, especially the young unemployed and those on a basic pension.

"And thirdly it sets out our priorities. These will be to create a culture of social inclusion, address anti-social behaviour, encourage good health in our community, and provide both education and access to sport."

Coun Holland said the ambitious strategy had his support.