People will get the chance to find out face-to-face about their council - without leaving their community.

As part of Ryedale District Council's efforts to reach everybody in the district, Pam Armstrong has become its first community information officer.

Ms Armstrong - who formerly worked in the authority's area offices - will take information about the council's services to individuals and groups in their communities.

"The job is aimed at ensuring that Ryedale residents are aware of how the district council can help them as well as pointing people in the right direction to help from other organisations," she said. The service - which is a pilot project and the first of its kind for Ryedale District Council - will run for nine months.

The importance of the work of the area offices will, however, remain a high priority and Kath Bower has been appointed to take on Ms Armstrong's former job.

"The work of the area offices is to continue to play an important part in providing cost effective and efficient services for Ryedale residents," said Ms Bower.

For an appointment with the Community Information Officer, call 07796 191322.