The Leicester Mercury has become the latest paper to embark on an online project that will help it find out what readers really think about important local issues.

The Northcliffe title is asking hundreds of people to join its new Voice of the People panel, an interactive forum which will gauge readers views via a simple Internet survey.

The idea was first piloted by the Scunthorpe Telegraph, which is also published by Northcliffe, in May, and readers there have already been quizzed on crime, environmental issues and leisure services.

Each set of survey results are then published in the newspaper and help to shape the style of coverage.

Mercury editor Nick Carter said: "The Leicester Mercury has served communities in this area for more than 130 years.

"As editor of the newspaper, I want us to get even closer to the communities we serve.

"I am asking for people to help with this new project that will give us even more confidence that, when we cover local issues, we are reflecting the concerns and views of local people.

"We want to know what people think and feel about local issues, the things that affect their well-being and quality of life.

"This is all about giving the people of Leicester and Leicestershire a real voice."