DEVELOPMENT agency Yorkshire Forward has published its regional economic strategy for the county and Humberside.

The strategy, backed by the Yorkshire and Humber assembly and the Government, is intended to provide a "route map" for economic development in the next ten years.

Also published is a framework for regional employment and skills, intended to be an action plan to match skilled people to good quality jobs.

It forecasts a significant expansion in employment for North Yorkshire and says it expects the region to reverse historic under-performance on employment growth in the next ten years. Manufacturing will remain important to the region, but the service sector is likely to continue to be the key driver of growth.

Overall, North Yorkshire has a strong labour market with earnings, educational attainment and skills among the highest in the region.

Sir Graham Hall, chairman of Yorkshire Forward, said the aim was to transform the region by making improvements to economic performance and focusing on its great diversity.