MEMBERS of North Yorkshire's expanding aged population are to be given more opportunities to air their views about how services are provided in the county.

The number of North Yorkshire residents aged 65 or over will increase to almost a quarter of the population during the next decade, while teenagers under the age of 18 will account for only one fifth.

Older people are, therefore, being given the chance to shape the services that they will increasingly be using.

Derek Law, the council's corporate director for adult and community services, will outline the role of the newly-formed Older People's Partnership Board, the Better Government for Older People (BGOP) conference, in Harrogate, on September 25.

The board will aim to provide a channel for older people to put across their views on services such as active and healthy lifestyles, personal care and safeguarding vulnerable adults.

Due to be launched next month, the board will be made up of older people from each of the county's seven districts, along with representatives from North Yorkshire's adult and community services, as well as North Yorkshire and York Primary Care Trust.

County councillor Chris Metcalfe, executive member for adult social services, said: "Increasingly, people over 50 will be making a major contribution to their communities through family life, volunteering and the workforce, particularly in the care sector.

"But longer life means the chances of their needing health and social care services at some stage will also increase.

"Improving the channels through which older people can express their views about care and lifestyle issues means North Yorkshire strategic services will be in a better position to respond to their needs and help them lead independent and fulfilling lives within their communities."

Residents from across the county have been invited to join councillors at a service to celebrate the contribution of older people to the community.

A service will take place at Ripon Cathedral, on Sunday, September 28, at 11.30am, to mark the beginning of the United Nations International Week for Older People.

Music will be provided by Harrogate Male Voice Choir and Harrogate Ladies College Orchestra.

The service is being organised by the county council, in partnership with Age Concern, CVS, Help the Aged and BGOP.

For more information, call county councillor Bernard Bateman MBE, the council's older persons champion for the Harrogate district, on 01765-601689 or 07785-395844.