A CRUSADE to improve reading, writing and number skills in the North-East has won regional backing.

Representatives of business, the public sector, training and education are supporting Get On North East, which is encouraging an estimated 40,000 adults, who need to develop their skills, to seek help.

The regional campaign was launched in the summer by a taskforce including the Government Office North East, the regional development agency, employers, trade unions, local authorities and learning and skills councils.

Since then, members of the taskforce have been canvassing support from organisations to spread information about essential skills, and demonstrate the benefits of training.

Backing the campaign are business representatives Rod Taylor, Mark Tough, Sheila Gibbon and Moira Rankin; Tony Flynn, Lisa Kiely, Yvonne Murray and Ed Young from the public sector, college representatives Jackie Fisher and Colin Hindmarch and Jeanette Trafford and Pat Whaley, of the voluntary sector.

Between now and March, they have pledged to highlight the issue with 500 businesses, to encourage 1,000 individuals to call the local helpline and work with the campaign team to highlight success stories.

* For advice on essential skills training in the region,contact 0800 587 8271.