AN 82-year-old woman has become the first to sign up for a new residents' panel.

Elizabeth Hetherington, from Sulgrave, in Washington, is one of more than 20,000 Wearside residents to be invited to join Sunderland's panel, Community Spirit.

It is being set up by Sunderland City Council to let local people to have their say on the issues affecting them.

Mrs Hetherington has lived on Wearside all her life and believes she will make a good spokeswoman.

She said: "I have a real interest in people and the community around me, and I think I can give a little bit of my experiences back.

"I've got a lot of positive views but I also believe in people being able to give their opinions freely, and this will give people that chance."

Mrs Hetherington, who worked as a health professional, is hoping to influence health and education in particular.

The deadline for responding to invitations to join the panel is Friday, March 22