THE Northern Echo has launched an online discussion forum to add to the lively discussion and debate about everything that matters in the region.

Readers who want to discuss sport, news, music, politics, family history, and health, among others, are invited to join the forum.

The forum will be all-inclusive and will cover every topic of interest.

There are already more than 20 subjects, and the forum includes a general discussion section, where requests for new subject areas can be submitted.

The forum is also interested in encouraging discussion from people in other countries, so if you're logging on from abroad, join in.

The forum can be accessed through www.thisisthenortheast.co. uk by clicking on the forum link on the homepage, or go to http://forums.thisisthe northeast.co.uk