RURAL areas of the North-East are unprepared to meet the demands of a dramatically ageing population, according to a report.

The study, carried out by the Countryside Agency and published today, said little provision has been made for an increase in the number of people over 65 living in the region in years to come.

The State of the Countryside Report for the North-East warns local authorities that they should act now to prevent future crises in health, housing and transport.

It predicts that, in the rural western area of County Durham, the number of residents aged 65 to 74 will rise by 30 per cent between now and 2040.

The agency's regional director, Huw Davies, said: "Youngsters no longer wish to stay in rural areas whilst older age groups look to the countryside for a better quality of life and subsequent retirement."

"The problem is that all government agencies, whether at local, regional or national level are concerned with budgets for the next two or three years.

"Our job is to 'rural-proof' policy and, looking at the statistics, some sort of provision must be made now. Authorities should be looking ten to 15 years ahead."

Health issues are a key part of the report, which said incidences of cancer, heart disease and strokes in the North-East were significantly higher than the national average.

Patients in rural areas are delaying going for healthcare advice, often because a lack of public transport.

Mr Davies said: "Some of these areas are very isolated and we need more services in the rural areas, rather than just centralised services in a town."

Dr David Landes, public health director of Durham and Dales Primary Care Trust, said: "It is right there is an increasing number of elderly retiring to the area, but most of these people are biologically fit and active,"

The agency also called for more low-cost housing for elderly people, as well as improved public transport links.

A Durham County Council spokesman said: "We are actively involved in a number of initiatives to increase public transport in rural areas. It is a policy of the county council to improve such services as they are a key component in reducing social exclusion particularly among the elderly."