A campaign to encourage more people to stand as London councillors is being launched tomorrow.

The Be a Councillor campaign, organised by London Councils, is intended to dig out new talent to represent local communities and help deliver vital public services.

While London performs better than most UK regions in terms of councillor diversity, people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, women, younger people and those with a disability are not proportionately represented in the capital's council chambers.

Despite a third of Londoners being from a non-white ethnic group, less than one in five of London's 1,861 councillors describe themselves in this way.

Similarly women, who make up more than half of the capital's population, hold less than a third of council seats in London.

Under 45s make up just 30 per cent of all councillors.

London Councils chairman, councillor Merrick Cockell, said: "We believe local government in London should reflect the vast range of Londoners.

"London's councils are central to encouraging talented people from all walks of life, religions, genders and ethnic groups to stand for election.

"This is one of the ways we hope to invigorate local democracy with new energy."

Councils across the capital have helped to develop a new website, www.beacouncillor.org.uk, which provides information about how to become a councillor. It also features profiles and personal accounts from a number of London councillors.

Anyone who wants to know more is invited to a London summit on July 12. Registration for the summit is free through www.beacouncillor.org.uk or by calling London Councils on 020 7934 9627.