KEY figures in the community joined forces yesterday to help map the future of Darlington.

Senior officials from the public and private sectors worked with voluntary and community workers and faith groups to develop a sustainable plan to improve life for the town's 100,000 residents.

For months, Darlington Partnership has been organising a detailed review of elements that affect people's lives.

They have been looking at ways to improve:

* The economy;

* Including everyone in the community;

* Educational achievements;

* Leisure activities;

* Community safety;

* Health and well-being;

* The environment;

* Transport.

Inquiry groups, made up of people from all sections of the community, have identified three priority groups, including older people, children and young people and people living in the 11 most deprived wards.

About 150 people met at the 96.6TFM Darlington Arena yesterday to assess whether the review was moving in the right direction and attend workshops addressing the key areas.

Steve Rose, chief executive of Darlington Partnership, said: "A tremendous amount of work has been going on to produce a new vision for Darlington.

"It was an opportunity for everyone to get involved in shaping the future. It was just as important as all the work that has gone on behind the scenes.

"This is not just about talk; it is about putting into action plans to address every aspect which has been highlighted by the review."

Karen Grundy, chief executive of First Stop Darlington and Darlington CVS, said the event had been worthwhile. It was great to see so many people stay for the duration, which shows just how important this issue is," she said.

Darlington police Inspector Sue Collingwood said: "I am really enthusiastic about this. If we can get this right then we will improve the quality of life for every resident and visitor of all ages."

Feedback from the event will go to a project team to identify conclusions and priorities.

An open meeting is scheduled for September 29 at the Dolphin Centre, which will be followed by a full assembly on October 5 where the inquiry group chairmen will report their findings.

On April 1, next year, the town will commit to delivering the plan.