CAMPAIGNERS pushing for devolution for the North-East have held a lively debate about the contents of a Government White Paper on the subject.

The Campaign for a North East Assembly met in Newcastle at the weekend to discuss the proposals.

Although members agreed the paper represents "a good start", there were areas of concern.

Assembly co-ordinator Brian Hall said: "We are concerned that this is not seen as a local government issue.

"It's not a different level of local government for the North-East, it's about a regional government which takes power away from London.

"This came out strongly - we either have a regional government or not."

The size of the proposed assembly was also debated, and who should be allowed to sit on it.

Mr Hall said: "The people sitting in the assembly should be full-time and not have a dual role.

"You couldn't have an MP sitting in there, for example. It has to be serious and part-timers don't look serious."

The final point was on the powers, which would include an element of education and health.

Mr Hall said: "It's not just about business and maybe greater prosperity; we feel it's about the North-East and the social conditions in all its forms."

The group will collate all of its material so that it can submit a formal response on the proposals to the Government.