People living in the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are being asked for their views on a project.

A joint advisory committee, involving Ryedale and Hambleton district councils and North Yorkshire County Council, has been set up to explore ideas for improving the quality of life in its countryside and villages.

A draft of the advisory plan has been drawn up and is out to extensive public consultation.

"It is a five-year plan and in it we are trying to encourage people to seek grant aid for schemes," said Paul Jackson, who is leading the project.

The plan also identifies a number of themes, including the future of agriculture and forestry, village communities and isolation.