RAY Mallon yesterday branded the campaign against an assembly as deceitful and said its leaders had lied to the North-East people.

The Mayor of Middlesbrough proved he had zero tolerance when he marched up to the front gate of the headquarters of North-East Says No, in Durham City.

He said: "The No campaign has acted dishonourably because they have not revealed the facts of the matter. People have a right to know the facts.

"The campaign is being run by two-bit Conservatives who are not interested in what happens in the North-East; they are interested in hitting the Labour party over the head.

"I want the public to rise up and do what is right -give the region a chance. Regional government is about bringing people together."

Mr Mallon also addressed a crowd in Durham's Market Place while in the city. He said: "I want what is best for the people of the North-East. I am independent of any political party. There are those who say the No campaign is not political. That is deceit.

"If you vote No, that is a vote for the Conservative Party."

Mr Mallon revealed he had been approached by Tory leader Michael Howard and Shadow Deputy Prime Minister Bernard Jenkins to join the No camp.

He said: "It is time there was a co-ordinated government for all the areas in the North-East. It really is a case of all for one and one for all.

"I have spent the last few years in local government having to listen to people in London dictating to this area. Enough is enough."

John Elliott, the leader of the No campaign, stood at the gate of the group's headquarters as Mr Mallon launched his criticism.

Mr Elliott said: "I did not hear any facts from Ray Mallon.

"It is nothing more than old-fashioned yah-boo politics. If they cannot get their own way, they will stoop to anything."

North-East Says No spokes-man Graham Robb said: "Ray Mallon's speech described the No campaign, and me personally, as dishonourable.

"In this personal attack, he has taken the tone of the Yes campaign into the gutter. I am not a dishonourable man, I come from the North-East and I sincerely believe that the regional assembly proposals are wrong.

"In using such abusive language, Ray Mallon is demonstrating a very unpleasant side of his character.

"The Yes campaign are clearly rattled and are acting with more desperation every day."