villageRS have been urged to have their say on blueprints drawn up for each of their communities, or miss the chance to influence their future.

The Countryside Agency awarded the A1 Corridor Community Investment Partnership £57,000 a year ago to prepare parish plans for villages between Darlington and Bedale.

Feedback from 4000 questionnaires sent to homes has been drafted into documents outlining the objectives for each individual parish, with residents having a further chance to ratify each plan.

A1 Corridor partnership spokeswoman, Melva Steckles said this is the first time plans have been drawn up for a number of parishes at the same time.

She said: "Proposals include the generation of more business and employment at the Gatherley Road industrial estate in Brompton-on-Swale and plans for the army museum at Marne Barracks in Catterick, but every village has had the chance to have its say.

"We hope, as a result, parish councils and meetings will have a better idea of what local people want and will be able to channel their efforts accordingly."

A series of public exhibitions has been organised.

The first one is tomorrow at Barton village hall from 3pm to 7.30pm for the parishes of Barton, Middleton Tyas, Skeeby, Newton Morrell, Manfield with Cliffe, Cleasby and Stapleton.

North Cowton village hall hosts the next one on Thursday from 3pm to 8pm, covering the parishes of North Cowton, Croft, Dalton on Tees and Eryholme.

Another meeting will be held at Catterick village hall from 3pm to 7pm on Monday, for the parishes of Catterick Village, Tunstall, Brough with St Giles and East and West Appleton.

The last one takes place at Scorton village hall between 3pm and 8pm on Tuesday, November 4, covering the parishes of Scorton, Brompton-on-Swale, Uckerby, Ellerton and Bolton-on-Swale.