Skipton town councillors are going back to school next week - as part of a review of the play facilities it provides within the town.

They will be talking to both parents and children about how they want to see the play areas develop in the future.

The council maintains 10 recreation grounds within the town - an unusually large number compared with other North Yorkshire town and parish councils.

Mayor Coun Margaret Spence said: "It's all very well councillors sitting looking at plans, designs and brochures saying 'I like this and don't like that', but really we're not the ones using the facilities and to be honest councillors tend to be of an older age group and perhaps not fully aware of what appeals to or is wanted by today's generation of children and parents.

"I think it will do us good to go into the schools and talk to the user group concerned."

Public consultation sessions have been organised at four local primary schools next week. They are at Water Street School on Monday; Greatwood School, Tuesday; Christ Church School, Wednesday; and the Parish Church School on Thursday.

The venues have been chosen to link in with existing sites.

At least two town councillors will be at each session from 3pm to 5pm and there will be a display of some proposals, produced by David Houghton of Digley Associates, who has been studying the demographics and projected future recreational needs within Skipton.

The consultation sessions are open for everyone to attend, not just pupils and parents of the schools hosting the events.

The display will also be at Craven Pool in Aireville Park, next weekend - March 10 to 12.

Town council chief officer Lis Moore said: "Maintenance of the play areas and recreational provision is a major service provided by the town council and councillors felt it was important that we develop a coordinated approach as to where and what facilities are provided in the future, rather than the rather piecemeal approach of the past.

"We've recently achieved the status of a Quality Council and one of the features of a Quality Council is listening to its residents and planning for the future."

Anyone who is unable to attend the public consultation sessions but who wants to give their views on play facilities can contact their ward councillors or send their comments to Mrs Moore at the Town Council Office, 49 High Street, BD23 1DT.