BILLBOARDS warning voters that an assembly will mean more politicians and higher bills were unveiled yesterday.

North-East Says No launch-ed two posters that will appear across the region in the final days of the referendum campaign.

They bear the slogans that have formed the pillars of their argument against an assembly: "Vote No to Higher Council Tax", and "Vote No to More Politicians".

Spokesman Graham Robb said: "In the final few days of the campaign, we want the people of the North-East to ask themselves two questions - do they want to pay higher council tax and do they want more expensive politicians?

"This is what is on offer here, nothing more. A regional assembly would not have the power to hire even one extra nurse, doctor or teacher and could not create jobs. People should ignore the spin from the politicians and say No to this expensive white elephant."

John Elliott, chairman of manufacturer Ebac Limited and chairman of North-East Says No, said: "The longer this campaign has gone on, the clearer it has been that the regional assembly being offered would not have the power to do any good.

"All we would get is more politicians and higher council tax -the last things we want in the North-East. People should vote No."