Young people are to be encouraged to lead a healthy and safe lifestyle, with the help of councillors.

The Vale of White Horse District Council has launched a Youth Development Strategy, mapping out how it will support and encourage the development of children and teenagers.

It focuses on helping young people fulfil their potential, get the most out of life and develop skills for adulthood.

Joyce Hutchinson, former executive portfolio holder for Youth Development, said: "Young people are very much a focus for the council, which is why we were one of the first councils to set up a Youth Forum 10 years ago.

"Unfortunately, we do not have unlimited resources, but what we have we want to use wisely and ensure we are providing the best opportunities for young people."

She said although there was not enough money to provide many new services for young people, the strategy would ensure that existing services like leisure and community safety would provide the best possible outcome for them.

The Vale will team up with schools, hospitals, the police and voluntary sector, which come into regular contact with young people.

Forum member Lucy Killoran, 16, of Fitzharrys School, Abingdon, said: "It is good they are noticing that we are the future and it is great to be involved in something like this at this age." The strategy was developed with the help of the Vale's Youth Forum comprising students from each of the secondary schools in the Vale, from both the independent and public sector. It meets quarterly to discuss issues affecting young people and the council's policies and plans.

We are hoping to influence decisions and the more young people get involved in making decisions the better."

Since the strategy was published Mrs Hutchinson has stepped down from the council's Executive and Richard Farrell has taken over her role. He said: "I would like to thank Mrs Hutchinson and the various members of staff who have helped draw up the Youth Development Strategy. The Strategy has given us a great foundation to work from and will hopefully be of significant benefit to the future of many young people in the Vale."

The Vale's strategy complements the county council's Children and Young People's Plan. The primary aim is that every child, whatever their background or circumstances, has the support they need to develop, as outlined in the Children's Act 2004.