A CAMPAIGN to engage thousands of local people in the way their city is run is being launched on Wearside.

Next week, Sunderland City Council will launch its Community Sprit initiative, targeting 20,000 residents.

Over the following four weeks, it will seek to recruit thousands of members for a new citizens' panel, to act as a sounding board for ideas and take part in consultations on major issues.

As part of the scheme, panellists will be asked to complete a questionnaire every few months, including questions on health, crime, education and the environment.

They will be chosen from a random selection of the electoral register and invited to take part. Membership will be refreshed every three years.

Marina Dodgson, the council's research and business manager, said: "Throughout the year, we'll be listening to the panel and their views to help us shape key decisions affecting the city.

"Everyone who signs up will make a real difference to the city's future."

Invitations to join the panel will be sent out next week.

Ms Dodgson said: "We urge people to look out for them and send them back to us as soon as possible."