LIBERAL Democrats have been planning their future battle strategy.

The Northern Region Liberal Democrats held their two-day annual meeting and autumn conference at the weekend in Hartlepool, where they reduced Labour's winning majority in the parliamentary by-election, following the resignation of Peter Mandelson.

Councillor Ron Beadle, the party's regional chairman, said: "The Liberal Democrats are the only party making policy in the North-East for the North-East. We are establishing a real opposition to Labour here. I hope we can build upon our amazing successes over the past few months and see the strength of the Liberal Democrats in the North-East increase further.''

On Saturday, the conference was addressed by barrister Jody Dunn on her experience as a candidate in the by-election, as well as Dr Evan Harris MP and Professor Steve Webb MP.

On Sunday, the speakers were Fiona Hall, the region's newest MEP, Ed Davey MP, Councillor Peter Arnold, leader of Newcastle City Council, and Councillor Sue Pitts, leader of Durham City Council.