COUNCIL officers are using modern technology to communicate with residents.

Stockton Borough Council is launching two text messaging services, one aimed at youngsters and one to share information and receive views on several issues.

Ezeetext is aimed at teenagers, with the council planning to text youngsters who have registered to ask them questions about sports activities and school life.

They will then be able to reply to the message with their opinions.

Redtext aims to give everyone in the town the chance to have their say on issues by text messaging, including development, housing regeneration and business.

Redtext will also enable people to find out about events.

To register on Redtext, go to the Tourist Information Centre, in the town centre.

Registration forms for Ezeetext can be found at Stockton libraries or can be downloaded from www.stockton.gov.uk

Those under 16 will need parental consent.

The forms can be handed in at the library or returned to Allison Davis, Stockton Borough Council, PO Box 228, Church Road, Stockton.

Both texting services will be run for a six-month trial.

Texts sent to mobile phones will be free and texts sent to the council will be charged at the usual mobile rate.

People who apply before December 16 will also have the chance to win HMV vouchers.