HEREFORDSHIRE boasts some of the best A-level results in the West Midlands but faces a real test in keeping that talented generation -- and generations to come - committed to the county's future.

With 18 to 35-year-olds deserting the county in droves, Herefordshire Council is setting up a task team of members and officers to plug the brain drain or make it "pay to stay".

Over the next 12 months, the team will report on what it takes to bring and keep young people in Here-fordshire to bridge a widening age gap, with the number of over-60s already well above the national average.

Better wages and affordable housing are top of the agenda.

The team is to be overseen by the community services scrutiny committee, which has been told that an imbalance between the generations would soon start costing the county innovation and investment.

Committee chairman Councillor Chris Chappell said Herefordshire needed companies that either attracted graduates or expanded employee skills because its economic future now depended on it.

At least 7,500 18 to 35-year-olds had to either stay in or come to Herefordshire "as soon as possible" if the balance between the generations was to be restored, he said.

The committee vice-chairman, Councillor Harry Bramer, said Herefordshire's growth was hampered by "no graduate jobs, no graduates looking for jobs, and nobody starting up who wants to employ graduates".

Latest statistics show that 2,500 18 to 35-year-olds came to Hereford-shire over the past year - but nearly 3,000 left.

Dr Jonathan Godfrey, head of Hereford Sixth Form College, said an increasing number of his A-level leavers wanted to stay "home" or come back after graduation - and would if the opportunities existed.

High achievement at the college helped Herefordshire to a set of A-level scores that stood among the best in the West Midlands last year.

Test results at the key stage levels show every indication of high scores continuing.

Dr Godfrey said access to higher education was essential in attracting and retaining 18-35s. Developing degree standard facilities had to be matched by funding for leisure and cultural choices that would attract that age group.

Christopher Harvey, policy manager with the Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire and Worcestershire, said the county would not go "hi-tech" overnight but could build a future on diversity and innovation.

Concepts like remote working were being pioneered by the likes of Kington-based KC3 long before they caught on, said Mr Harvey.

Workforce flexibility was a key concern when most county companies employed five people or less.