A DEBATE on the environmental impact of a regional assembly is to take place later this month.

The region will vote on a proposed North-East assembly in a referendum on November 4, and the North East Environment Forum has organised a debate to consider how green issues will fit into the campaign agenda.

The Your Say forum, chaired by broadcaster Tony Baker, will be held in Durham County Hall on Wednesday.

Speakers from the Yes and No campaigns will be joined by leading environmentalist David Bellamy and a panel of experts including Jonathan Blackie, from Government Office North East and Caroline Stewart, of the North East Environment Forum.

Ms Stewart said: "This is a great opportunity to listen to a keynote speaker on environment issues, put your questions to proposals put forward by Government and the devolution Yes and No campaigns, or simply find out more about how the environment fits into regional assembly plans or existing political structures."

The event begins at 5.30pm and the debate, expected to last for two hours, starts at 6pm. A limited number of tickets are available. Contact Friends of the Earth, on 0191-2211786, for details.