LEADING North-East people in the fields of sport, art and culture are being asked to sign up and support the campaign for an elected regional assembly.

Their names will feature in a full-page advertisement that campaigners are planning to run in The Northern Echo in the middle of February.

So far, at least 70 actors, musicians, artists, writers and sportspeople are believed to have signed up - and the Campaign for a North-East Assembly hopes 150 will eventually offer their support.

Campaign spokesman Brian Hall said: "We feel the culture of the North-East is one of the strongest elements of the campaign because it makes our regional identity. We have a rich history and unique contemporary culture. It shows how distinct and different the region is from elsewhere."

The leading figures will sign a statement that states: "We believe that a democratically elected assembly will bring power closer to the people of our region, an area with a rich and varied history, and strong identity.

"Democratic regional government will strengthen our dynamic and diverse cultural life, rooted in a full awareness of our history but looking forward to the future with growing self confidence.

"Such an Assembly should not only have sufficient powers, but should be open and accessible to all parts of our regional life, including the cultural sector."

Anyone wanting more information on the statement, or about the campaign, can contact Mr Hall on 0191-265-8158 or 07932 784 338. The campaign website is at www.campaign-northeast.org.uk

The closing date for signatures for the statement, which will also be published in the Newcastle Journal newspaper, is February 16.