PEOPLE in South Craven with learning disabilities could be given greater choice and control over important life decisions.

A Live Well Live Longer strategy has been launched, by North Yorkshire Health and Wellbeing Board.

Its aims include ensuring people can access better health care and play an active role in their community, as well making choices influencing their lives.

The plan has been unveiled to coincide with Mencap's Learning Disabilities Week, which begins on Monday (June 19).

"Our vision for this important strategy is that people with a learning disability should have the opportunity to live long and healthy lives," said County Councillor Michael Harrison, executive member for adult social care and health integration.

"They should be supported to exercise choice in their daily lives, feel happy and safe, be active, fulfil their potential, enjoy the best health and wellbeing possible and be respected and treated with dignity."

The Health and Wellbeing Board is now working with other organisations to produce an action plan to deliver the strategy's key commitments.

County Cllr Harrison added: "This year's Learning Disability Week focusses on raising awareness of the fact employment opportunities for those with a learning disability are very limited and that this issue must be addressed. This reflects one of our key commitments.

"Above all, we want to celebrate the contribution that people with a learning disability make to society."

The strategy can be downloaded at nypartnerships.org.uk/livewell.