THE police force which oversaw security for the Labour conference in the North-East may get Government help to meet the bill.

Northumbria Police's request for funding towards the £2.8m cost of the operation for the party's spring conference at The Sage, Gateshead, is being considered by the Home Office.

Despite road closures and movement restrictions near the venue, the force was delighted with the outcome.

There was only one arrest, a Fathers 4 Justice protestor who scaled the Tyne Bridge on Friday, while demonstrations involving the Countryside Alliance, anti-war and other campaigners passed peacefully.

About 1,600 officers were involved, with neighbouring forces on stand-by.

Northumbria's assistant chief constable David Warcup spoke yesterday of his relief at the success of the operation.

He said: "We also have a great deal of professional pride in ensuring it was a sound security situation over the weekend. We are still working out the final cost, but we budgeted for £2.8m."

He said some of the outlay would benefit future operations, including improvements to security camera and police radio coverage.

Mr Warcup said it may be a fortnight before a decision is taken.

The event is expected to have brought millions of pounds into the North-East, with the knock-on benefit of the venue being used for other conferences after the success of the weekend.