A MASSIVE consultation exercise is being launched to help shape future facilities and services in Cowling.

The public is being invited to have its say on what provision and improvements it would like to see in the village.

A "Planning for Real" consultation weekend is being staged at the village hall next Saturday March 29, between 10am and 4pm, and next Sunday, March 30 between noon and 4pm.

Using a three-dimensional model of the village - which has been painted by children from Cowling Primary School - people will be able to indicate what they would like to see happen, and where.

Visitors will also have the chance to say whether they agree or disagree with specific topics, and make comments.

Hazel Smith, local development and employment pact officer of Craven District Council, said: "As a result of this process an action plan can be formulated - by a focus group of local volunteers - based on all ideas, votes for and against, and whether they are practical for the area.

"This will be used as a basis for producing a full parish plan, which will have a long-term focus, action plans and review schedules.

"There is funding attached to the programme so there are things we can help finance, and we will be pulling together key organisations and agencies to help realise the plan."

At Cowling Primary School this week, pupils put the finishing touches to the village model and gave their own views on what they would like to see in the community.