THE North Pennine Dales LEADER programme is looking to recruit members to its forum after it was awarded more than £2m from Defra and the Rural Development Programme for England to support projects that will contribute to rural economic growth.

It be delivered through a Local Action Group (LAG) made up of representatives from the area which takes in Teesdale and Weardale in County Durham, South Tynedale, rural mid Durham and rural Gateshead.

Representatives must have local knowledge and an understanding of issues facing rural communities and will deliver activities based on the identified priorities of rural business, farming and forestry, rural tourism, culture and heritage and rural services.

They are currently looking for people to join the LAG Forum who wish to share their skills, knowledge and experience in any of these areas.

LAG Forum membership will comprise of a wide range of community, voluntary, public and private sector representatives and act as a communication channel between communities and the LAG Executive.

To become a LAG Forum Member, email your name, organisation, contact address including postcode contact number and email to northpenninedales@durham.gov.uk

For details visit northpenninedalesleader.co.uk