POP superstar Sting yesterday came out in support of a North-East regional assembly.

The Tyneside-born multi-millionaire said people should consider whether the present system of government had held the region back.

He said: "This is a once-in-a- lifetime chance for the North-East to have a say about its future. People have to make up their own minds, but I think it is important that they take the opportunity they are being offered and use their vote."

The former Police frontman said he did not want to get involved in the politics of the debate.

"I feel that people who live and work in the North-East should have more say in shaping its future," he said.

"I realise some may think I should keep out of the debate because I no longer live there, but it's where my roots are and I still care passionately about the place."

He said an assembly could lead to further investment in young talent.

"I know that people in the region are as passionate as I am about issues such as their culture and sport," he said.

"One of the powers of a new assembly would be to actively promote arts, culture and sport in the region.

"There are many talented young people in the region and I am all for giving youngsters in the North-East the best possible start in life.

"People should consider whether they think the present system has held our region back and if an assembly could give the North-East more freedom to control its own destiny."