The Sunderland Echo is launching Wear1 - a major campaign to celebrate the city of Sunderland.

The campaign slogan is: Celebrate all that's great about Sunderland – and help make it even better.

Its aim is to promote and "talk up" the city, and also to encourage people to play a part in making Sunderland a better place to live.

A series of activities has been planned during the next 20 months to engage the people of Sunderland and encourage positive change in the city.

The launch package includes a 24-page supplement as well as news editorial and the launch of a Wear1 Community Champions scheme, encouraging readers to nominate people who are making a difference in the community.

Deputy editor (content) Richard Ord said: "We will feature a dedicated Wear1 page in the Echo every week, highlighting major events and Wear1 stories in the city, and will be publishing bi-monthly 12-page supplements to support this activity.

"The campaign is supported by a number of high-profile partners and will have its own dedicated website – www.wear1.co.uk.

"We are keen for everyone in the city and beyond to play a part in this campaign."

An open letter to every householder in Sunderland has been written by Sunderland Echo editor Rob Lawson calling on their support.

He wrote: "As people living and working in Sunderland we have a lot to shout about. It's a great city to live in, is a fantastic place to work and has a heritage second to none.

"Sunderland is so good it makes you wonder why we don’t shout about it more.

"We are living in a great city and with your support, the Wear1 campaign will celebrate all this, help make it even better … and then shout it from the rooftops to let the rest of the world know about it.

"You can follow the campaign in the Sunderland Echo and on the website, www.wear1.co.uk".