FUNDING of £2.4m has been announced by the Government to boost the campaign for home rule in the region.

Local Government Minister Nick Raynsford said yesterday that the North-East and Yorkshire and Humber regional assemblies would each receive £1.2m to help strengthen their campaigns.

The money, available over the next two years, is in addition to the £500,000 the assemblies have each received.

Speaking about the North-East assembly, Mr Raynsford said: "The assembly is already establishing itself as a strategic focal point for the region.

"It is scrutinising the activities of One NorthEast effectively and starting to make regional government more effective and accountable."

The money will be used for work in learning and education, relations with Europe, communications, regional planning guidance, sustainability and to raise awareness of both assemblies.

Councillor Tony Flynn, chairman of the North-East assembly said: "It represents a positive endorsement for the assembly's role in some key economic, social and environmental policy areas in the region."

The Association of North-East Councils meets tomorrow when discussions will focus on the campaign for a fairer funding deal for the North-East.