PLANS to unite two North-East towns into a single city were unveiled yesterday.

If it goes ahead, the 20-year scheme, described by organisers as one of Europe's largest regeneration projects, would mean Stockton and Middlesbrough are combined into one city-region.

So far, no funding has been secured for the multi-million pound transformation that could feature a new river crossing and transport interchange for the region.

However, Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon said the plan could, and should, become reality.

Complaining about in-fighting, which he said has held the region back in the past, Mr Mallon promised that anyone who tried to disrupt the renewal project would be "bulldozed out of the way".

Drawn up by consultants on behalf of the two borough councils, the scheme will focus on a 3,000-hectare strip of land next to the River Tees, separating the two towns.

At the heart of the development would be a 21st Century urban landscape, mixing parks and businesses, called the Green-Blue Heart.

The site could also feature a new river crossing and transport station serving both towns.

Developments under way for the riverside in Middlesbrough and Stockton -the Middlehaven and North Shore schemes -will be incorporated in the plan.

Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP Ashok Kumar welcomed the plan, known as the Stockton-Middlesbrough-Initiative (SMI), which he said he hoped would "at long last bring jobs and vibrancy back to the region".

Mr Kumar contrasted the project with previous failed attempts to transform the Tees Valley by the now-defunct Teesside Development Corporation.

He said: "I need to emphasise that this project is being led by democratically elected local authorities, in contrast to the many schemes in this area led by unelected quangos, like the former Teesside Development Corporation."

The plan focuses on five areas for development - Stockton East, Middlesbrough West, Portrack Riverside Park, Tees City Park and South Tees Riverside Park.

It is hoped that £250m of public funding can be found to start the project. Officials believe they can attract about £1bn of private investment.

The SMI, drawn up by the two borough councils, also has the backing of the Government through development agency One NorthEast.

Organisers said major consultation with residents and businesses will take place.

Concern was expressed that the SMI might draw funding away from other parts of the Tees Valley.

However, Mr Mallon was clear about the choice facing the region. He said: "If you build it, they will come. But what is more certain is that if you do not build it, then no-one will come."