SUPPORT for neighbouring Labour councils came from an unlikely source yesterday.

Sir John Hall, knighted for his achievements during Margaret Thatcher's era of Conservative dominance, backed the ruling Labour Party's bid to be re-elected in Newcastle and Gateshead.

Amid predictions of an anti-Labour backlash over the war in Iraq, the Liberal-Democrats are expected to pose a threat to the twin Labour strongholds in next week's postal ballot.

Sir John, the son of a Northumberland miner, said he had no Labour Party links but nevertheless backed the party.

The MetroCentre developer, and the man behind Newcastle United Football Club's rise to prominence, said he believed the achievements of Labour on the Tyne should not be forgotten by voters.

Having returned to his home at Wynyard, near Billingham, after living in Spain in recent years, Sir John said he had been impressed at the growth of Newcastle in conjunction with Gateshead, particularly the Quayside revival.

He said: "Coming back to the North-East, it's great to see a thriving region after years of decline.

"There is an air of confidence, vitality and a sense of common purpose.

"The changes taking place on the banks of the Tyne are known throughout Europe and greatly help the region's improving image.

"These changes, I believe, are mainly due to the partnership between the Labour councils of Gateshead and Newcastle, working closely together and in partnership with the private sector."

Sir John gave his backing in person to the leaders of both councils, Newcastle's Tony Flynn and Gateshead's Mick Henry yesterday.

Following recent boundary changes, every seat in all five metropolitan councils of Tyne and Wear is being contested on June 10.