A COMMUNITY takes its first steps towards a brighter future tomorrow when an open meeting is held to give residents the chance to have their say on what they see as likely priorities in years to come.

Booth Hall in Catterick Village, North Yorkshire, hosts an exhibition arranged by the Community Works organisation.

Formed by volunteers, it hopes to act as a catalyst, attracting grants to help cover the cost of a raft of schemes which will improve the quality of life for people living in the parish of Catterick with Tunstall.

The exhibition, which runs between 2pm and 8pm, will offer people an opportunity to take a closer look at plans for better public transport, projects for both young people and the elderly, initiatives to cut crime in the area, arts projects and the Army's ambitious plans for a multi-million pound museum at Marne Barracks.

"It really does include the sort of things which will affect everyone's lives in one way or another,'' said spokeswoman, Melva Steckles.

Once feedback from the community has been gathered, the Community Works team will begin thrashing out strategies to deal with the issues seen as priorities, although more consultation is promised.

However, a community resource centre similar to Reeth's Hudson House is among the prime objectives.

It is hoped local people will be able to suggest possible locations for a base which some council services could share with local voluntary organisations.

Meanwhile, the Community Works team is also on the lookout for a temporary base and would also welcome the community's input.