Local residents could be handed more input in the management of the UK's National Parks under new "Big Society" plans announced by the government.

Lake District and North York Moors residents will now be able to take a parish seat on their respective National Park Authorities, which were previously reserved for parish councillors.

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) also confirmed that a pilot of democratically-elected authorities will be held in the New Forest and Peak District.

According to Defra, the pilots will run for four years and will see a proportion of members appointed to the New Forest and Peak District authorities through the new process.

Natural environment minister Richard Benyon said: "The changes we are making will give the local communities a greater say in how their National Park is managed."

Changes are expected to come into force from April 2013, following a consultation process and pending legislative approval.

Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority chair Carl Lis welcomed the announcement. He said: "I am happy the government has listened to the voices of those who responded to the consultation."

Image: Local residents in the Lake District will be able to take a seat on the National Park Authority under the plans