A CAMPAIGN to bring thousands of civil service jobs to the North-East is being stepped up.

A report by Sir Michael Lyons for the Government has given towns across the region fresh hope of a share of 20,000 jobs which are to be moved out of London.

Sir Michael said there was a need to reshape government, which failed to reflect the disparities between London and the regions.

An earlier report by property consultant King Sturge said only Newcastle was suitable for top civil service jobs.

But Sir Michael said towns putting forward sound cases should also be considered.

"I am very pleased Sir Michael has come out with such firm recommendations, despite the undoubted resistance he will have met within some areas of Whitehall," said Alistair Arkley, Tees Valley Partnership chairman.

He said the recommendations underlined the importance of stepping up the promotion of the Tees Valley as an ideal relocation candidate.

"In the Tees Valley we can offer modern, high-quality accommodation at less than a quarter of the prices in central London."

Sir Michael's report has given a boost to Darlington Borough Council's Devolve to Darlington campaign.

Council leader John Williams said: "We have not given up on this and we continue to work with our partners to do our best to attract these jobs to Darlington."

Alasdair MacConachie, chairman of Darlington Partnership and managing director of car dealer Sherwoods, said: "The Government need not think it is going to be let off the hook on this one.

"I would be horrified to think that Newcastle was the only place that was going to be considered.

"Darlington is thoroughly deserving - we have got so much going for us."

Elliott Ward's company City and Northern is the lead developer of the under-construction Morton Palms Business Park, in Darlington.

He said: "The exclusion of Darlington as a suitable location in the King Sturge report sent out a very negative message about what the area has to offer.

"Sir Michael Lyons' report effectively recognises that and gives us hope that we may be able to bring some of these jobs to Morton Palms."