POSTMEN have made a special delivery in support of a new citizens panel.

More than 20,000 Sunderland residents are being invited to have their say on the city's future as part of the panel.

Postmen showed their support for the initiative by delivering the first invitations from the Royal Mail delivery office, on Wessington Way.

During the next week they will arrive at homes across Wearside, randomly selected from the electoral register.

Organisers hope the panel, being formed as part of the Community Spirit initiative, will be one of the largest of its kind in the country.

Sarah Reed, head of Sunderland City Council's best value team, said: "Anyone signing up to the Community Spirit initiative will become a spokesperson for their community.

"We hope to encourage as many people as possible to sign up and have their say on their city."

Panelists will be asked to complete a 15-minute questionnaire every few months, as well as taking part in consultation activities.

Some of the issues they will influence are crime, health, education and the environment.

Membership will be refreshed every three years.