RESIDENTS will join prominent business leaders to discuss a strategy for a city's development this week.

The Fresh Thinking event, covering Sunderland City Council's blueprint for the next ten years, will be held on Thursday.

Aimed at letting people know about the progress to date and future plans, it will invite opinions and involve participants in interactive workshops.

Fresh Thinking was launched exactly a year ago following extensive consultations, and six residents were chosen to sit alongside city partners to play an active role in the strategy.

One of those selected, Len Gibson, 82, of West Herrington, said: "It's marvellous that we have been invited to the event.

"I'm not a VIP but out of all the people that will be there, I'll bet I have lived in Sunderland the longest and lived through the many advances that the city has made.

"The city has changed so much since I was a lad, and I think the recent changes to the city centre have been magnificent, especially the Museum and Winter Gardens.

"But I also like to know that Sunderland will keep improving for my grandchildren and great grandchildren."

Among the areas covered by Fresh Thinking are Sunderland ARC, the old Vaux brewery site and Old Sunderland.

Nicola Sanderson, city centre marketing officer, said: "Input from residents was vital when we were forming the Fresh Thinking Strategy and their continued contribution remains an important part of future developments."