FAMILY and friends of North-East Big Brother contestant Jonny Regan have called on people in the region to show support for him.

The 29-year-old firefighter from Trimdon, County Durham, has made it through to the last six in the reality TV game show.

He has survived two nominations for eviction and is now one of the hot favourites to win the £70,000 prize.

But friends and family who travelled down to London for last Friday's show claim there is more support for Jonny in the South than there is nearer home.

Family friend Mary Coverance, from Trimdon, was one of Jonny's supporters at the London studio when he was facing eviction last Friday.

She said: "There were crowds of people in London with banners supporting Jonny. We met groups from London and one lot that had even come from Plymouth, but there didn't seem to be any home support.

"I am sure people in and around Durham are watching the show and it would be nice to see some posters or banners around the area supporting him.

"I know people can't travel to London but it is a shame we can't show support for one of our own, especially when he is doing so well."