RESIDENTS of two villages and the farming area in between are being asked to give their ideas on what is needed to enhance their lives.

A survey is to be carried out by the parish council which covers Middleton-in-Teesdale and Newbiggin, near Barnard Castle.

The results will be used to prepare a parish plan which will become a blueprint for the future of the area, with an impact on housing, jobs and leisure amenities.

A questionnaire, prepared with the help of the Middleton Plus Development Trust and the Reverend Amanda Pike, Rector of Middleton, will be sent to households in the next fortnight.

Judith Mashiter, of Middleton Plus, said: "We hope all local residents and businesses will take time to participate and so help to shape our future, rather than sitting back while someone else shapes it for us."

Any resident who does not receive a questionnaire can collect one from Middleton tourist information centre.

Volunteers will collect the forms from families.