Cash boost for sprucing up city

Run-down parts of Sunderland are to receive a cash boost of £28m.

The money will be spent on boosting educational standards, reducing crime and providing decent homes for people living in the East End and Hendon.

The money is being managed by Back on the Map, which is responsible for New Deal for Communities regeneration.

The organisation is looking for locals who care about the area to come on board and join its Community Link Team as development workers.

Back on the Map's goal is to improve the quality of life for people in the East End and Hendon over the next 10 years.

A spokeswoman said: "Dozens of residents are already involved with Back on the Map with hundreds of people taking an interest in the work.

"But many more community-minded development workers are needed. They are tasked with encouraging and supporting people to become active citizens."