A NORTH-EAST council has added its voice to the 'Yes' campaign in the referendum for a directly elected assembly for the North-East.

Chester-le-Street District Council has agreed to ask its electors to vote in favour for November 4's ballot.

The council believes that the proposed assembly will benefit the region.

Council leader Councillor Linda Ebbatson said: "I believe, with all other members of the council, that the people of Chester-le-Street would be best served by a regional assembly based in the North-East.

"Such an assembly would put local people in the driving seat on decisions taken on their behalf."

In County Durham, voters will also have a second question to answer about the way in which local government is organised.

Option A is for one unitary council covering the county, while option B would see three unitary councils covering the area.

Coun Ebbatson said: "I am more convinced than ever that a combined local authority (in our case, Chester-le-Street and Derwentside) best suits the interests of Chester-le-Street's people.