Cheshire East has pledged to secure the future of local communities by joining the Countryside Climate Network, which the council says will help it deliver on its promise to be carbon neutral by 2025.

The Countryside Climate Network promotes the voice of the countryside in the climate change debate and already has over 20 local authority members.

The council says it will provide a space for collaboration and amplification of climate action in rural and suburban communities.

The network aims to support the whole nation in delivering the UK's net zero carbon goal and will connect Cheshire East to other local authority leaders, national government and other national stakeholders.

Membership of the network is free and will enable members to:

• Share knowledge and best practice with each other;

• Collaborate on developing shared national policy asks, and;

• Support one another in developing local engagement that builds consent and support for ambitious climate action.

Cllr Sam Corcoran, leader of Cheshire East Council, said: "We are passionate about tackling the climate emergency and committed to reducing our own emissions – becoming carbon neutral by 2025.

"Rural communities are at the frontline of feeling the effects of climate change, with more extreme weather bringing longer droughts and wetter winters.

"Our carbon neutral action plan outlines our ambition to reduce our carbon emissions and to work with others in our borough to drive behaviour change. Being part of this network enables us to collaborate with other local authorities in rural areas to share best practice and initiatives, ensuring the voice of rural communities and their experience on climate action is listened to in Westminster.

"By continuing to all work together, we can make a real impact on the future sustainability of the borough."

For more information on Cheshire East's carbon neutral by 2025 action plan, visit cheshireeast.gov.uk and view the carbon neutral page.