Making York the "city of our dreams" is the ambitious vision behind a radical new leisure partnership.

City of York Council is aiming to ensure that culture and leisure in the city are cultivated in the coming years by forming the York Leisure Partnership.

The partnership would be an independent board charged with championing the quality and quantity of leisure facilities in the city.

York Leisure Office, which is operated by the council, has launched a recruitment drive for people willing to serve on the partnership, in order to publish a strategy by December 2002.

The recruitment campaign includes targeting key city groups, such as education providers, the health service, residents' associations, local community groups, businesses, sports organisations, parish councils, ward committees and dozens of individuals with an interest in sport and the arts.

Councillor Alan Jones, the council's executive member for leisure and heritage, said: "This is an exciting new development for everyone who is involved in sport, the arts and other leisure activities.

"We believe there should be an independent partnership to plan for the future and to champion culture and leisure.

"It will pull together people from all areas of the community to set out a vision that can inspire us and drive new things forward.

"To do this we need a plan and the partnership will take this forward. This will cover all the things that local people enjoy about life - eating and drinking, music, plays, films, playing sport, working out, walking in the parks, going to a museum, shopping, a good read. Expert knowledge is not the main requirement. Above all, we need people with vision and ideas who have a passion for York.

"We are looking for a mix of people with a variety of skills."

Coun Jones said those involved with the partnership would be looking at how they want the city to be in ten, 25 and 50 years and how this can be achieved by further capitalising on the city's great assets.

The scheme was welcomed by David Hughes who, as a leading member of the York Older People's Forum, was one of those people in York asked for his input.

He said: "Coun Jones is suggesting a need for people with vision, ideas and a passion for York.

"A volunteer mix of people with varying skills, attributes and a time commitment - not too heavy.

"This is a great opportunity for the leading European cathedral city."

The York Leisure Partnership has been backed by the council's executive committee and York Leisure Office aims to have it up and running by the summer.

A selection process will probably begin in early summer.

Leaflets with nomination forms have already been supplied to libraries, council reception areas and other outlets across the city.

Anyone wanting a leaflet or more information should ring 01904 553369.

Updated: 12:19 Thursday, April 19, 2001