A TOP Government adviser and former Barnardo’s boss is to oversee a flagship programme about boosting social mobility for children in Whitby, Filey and Scarborough.

Sir Martin Narey will chair the North Yorkshire Coast Opportunity Area, part of a £72 million national programme. Sir Martin, who lives in Whitby, said he knows the area has particular challenges but is “optimistic” they can make a difference to young people’s prospects. The Opportunity Area will involve everyone from nurseries to schools, colleges, universities, businesses, charities and local councils working together to make sure all children can reach their full potential.

North Yorkshire’s builds on the county council’s £750,000 “Scarborough Pledge” to shift people’s expectations of what youngsters in the area can achieve.