LIBERAL Democrats are to hold their Northern regional conference at the weekend.

The conference, starting on Saturday at Gateshead Civic Centre, will debate plans for a regional assembly, the subject of a referendum due to be held in the autumn.

Delegates will set out their reasons for supporting a yes vote in the referendum and propose that the assembly be given powers so that the North-East can take its destiny into its own hands.

Speakers include the leader of Newcastle City Council, Peter Arnold, who led the Lib Dems to victory over the ruling Labour party, and North-East MEP Fiona Hall.