Sunderland City Council has been awarded Beacon Authority Status for demonstrating a clear vision, excellent services and a willingness to innovate within a specific theme.

The council chose Culture & Sport for Hard to Reach Groups as its topic, which was submitted by the Cultural & Community Services department.

The council has now developed a website to provide information on its strategies as well as the events running up to its Beacon Open Day on 1 March 2007.

These strategies include Young Peoples Play & Urban Games, the Positive Futures Programme and The Sunderland Sports Federation, which demonstrate multi-partnership working and community involvement. Details: www.sunderlandbeacon.com