WORLD renowned opera singer Suzannah Clarke has voiced her support for the 'Yes' campaign by taking part in a promotional TV advert.

The Yes 4 the North East short film is designed to highlight the benefits of a Regional Assembly and will be aired later this month in the build up to the referendum on November 4.

Miss Clarke believes this is a once in a lifetime chance to change the political landscape of the region and is urging more woman to get involved in the debate.

"I have seen first hand the differences between the North and South and I believe a regional assembly will give us the opportunity to redress the balance - it's time something happened in this region," she said.

"We need to know what money is coming into the North East and who is responsible for spending it and then we can hold them to account and a 'Yes' vote can help secure that. It's the only we the region can really start going forward quickly.

"Scotland, Wales and London is really benefiting from self rule and this could be a once in a lifetime chance for the North East to govern itself and deliver the things the region needs."

Also supporting the campaign are agony aunt Denise Robertson, who is filming her segment in Sunderland's Stadium of Light, while the regional chairman of the Royal College of Nursing, Wendy Burke, was in Darlington to shoot her piece to camera.

And Miss Clarke is determined to keep a gender balance throughout the debate. "I'm delighted more women are getting involved in the 'Yes' campaign - I believe this is the only way forward for everyone in the region."

The Yes 4 the North-East exhibition trailer will visit sites across the region until referendum day on November 4. It will be staffed by local supporters and some of the campaign's more high-profile figures.

The roadshow will be in Gilkes Street, Middlesbrough, on Monday, October 11, followed by Villiers Street, Hartlepool, on the Wednesday. The Mayor of Middlesbrough, Ray Mallon, has already thrown his support behind the campaign.