THE campaign for a North-East assembly is spreading its message on the internet.

Yes4theNorthEast, which is based in Durham's Market Place, has launched its own web site, which features arguments for a yes vote in October's referendum.

There are statements of support from ordinary people and North-East celebrities like Tim Healy and Denise Welch - but no politicians.

Campaign chairman Professor John Tomaney said that politicians could be a turn-off for people.

He said: "It is about finding people who can speak articulately and are independent of the party fray."

The site, www.yes4thenorth east.com has video clips of assembly supporters, identifies campaign members, lists financial backers and has links to related sites including one that is anti-assembly.

Surveys have revealed low levels of knowledge about the assembly debate but Prof Tomaney said the new site would help raise awareness.

"One of the big issues that confronts us is getting the message out, making people more aware of what the issues are. This site is a key part of that exercise,

"Our role is to make the arguments for an assembly as clear as possible and make them with people with credibility and a passion for the region."