A CITY councillor is allowing his constituents to follow him around at work and in his own home as he aims to make his actions more "transparent".

Ranjit Banwait said it is important that those he represents are able to see how he spends his time.

No place will be off-limits and Mr Banwait hopes the initiative will encourage people to get involved in local democracy.

The Boulton, Alvaston and Allenton councillor said: "As far as I'm concerned, I don't work for the council but the people I represent.

"Whether they voted for me or not, they're my boss.

"By shadowing me they'll get an insight into my work on their behalf and the chance to share any ideas that could hopefully make me a better councillor.

"I'll also be showing them around council departments where front-line services are being managed from."

Mr Banwait, who lives in Avonmouth Drive, Alvaston, juggles his council duties with a job at Royal Bank of Scotland.

He said that by allowing people to shadow him, the public will get an insight into the challenges employed councillors face in balancing the two responsibilities.

The first person set to shadow Mr Banwait will be Thelma Bradshaw, of Faversham Close, Alvaston.

She expects to follow Mr Banwait around at the Council House and get a flavour of the life of a councillor.

Any of Mr Banwait's constituents who wish to shadow him should e-mail ranjit.banwait@derby.gov. uk or call Derby 753323.