A NORTH-EAST council has been given a key role in the Government's plans to revolutionise local services using the latest electronic technologies.

The Department of Environment, Transport and Regions has awarded Sunderland City Council Pathfinder status - one of a handful of local authorities in the country and the only one in the region.

Twenty-five Pathfinders will share £25m in the first year to develop their innovative plans, and then share expertise with other authorities.

The Government's modernisation agenda aims to ensure services are available through electronic means by 2005.

The council's proposal involves personalised access for the city's residents. People will have immediate access to all services using the Internet, digital TV, telephone or mail