RAY Mallon will end months of speculation today by announcing that he is to help spearhead the campaign for a North-East assembly.

The Northern Echo can reveal that the independent Mayor of Middlesbrough will declare his backing for regional government before teaming up with Sir John Hall in a Yes campaign double act.

The support of Mr Mallon is viewed by supporters of the assembly as a major coup in securing the backing of the Tees Valley in the referendum on November 4.

Yes campaigners consider the former detective, who made his name as a "zero tolerance" police officer, to be a guaranteed vote-winner.

It is understood Mr Mallon will concentrate on winning over the south of the region. Sir John Hall, the entrepreneur behind the MetroCentre, and former Newcastle United chairman, will woo the north.

The couple have become close in recent months, with Sir John joining Mr Mallon on Teesside last week when one of the world's biggest development companies, Emaar Properties, flew in to assess investment opportunities in the region.

The Northern Echo also understands that Mr Mallon may decide to stand as a candidate for the assembly following strong lobbying from Yes campaigners, including Sir John and Professor John Tomaney.

After securing the support of Sir John and Mr Mallon, the Yes campaign now hopes to persuade Middlesbrough FC chairman Steve Gibson to come on board.

Mr Mallon's business advisor, Trevor Arnold, head of K Home Engineering, of Thornaby, is also considering standing as an independent candidate for the assembly.

Mr Arnold, a known Conservative supporter, was instrumental in attracting Emaar Properties to the region last week.

Last night, Mr Arnold said: "I am interested in standing as a candidate and I would like to play an active part in securing a Yes vote."

Mr Mallon's decision comes after the Electoral Commission announced that the North-East Says No campaign, chaired by Bishop Auckland businessman John Elliott, has been designated the official opposition.

The group saw off rival bids by the North-East No campaign, led by former "Metric Martyr" Neil Herron, and the British National Party.

North-East Says No will receive £100,000 of Government funds to finance its referendum campaign, and will be allowed to spend up to £665,000, if supporters can raise money from other sources.

Yes4theNorthEast was, as expected, named the designated organisation in favour of the assembly.

North-East Says No yesterday unveiled a new campaign team, led by Graham Robb, a former advisor to ex-Tory leader William Hague.

Last night, Mr Elliott said: "The campaign starts now to persuade people that the regional assembly will lead to higher council tax, more politicians, but no more power for the North-East."

However, Labour immediately attacked North-East Says No, demanding the campaign come clean about its links with the Tories.

Battle begins - Page 3