A LEADING member of the Government signed up to a campaign yesterday which aims to help women Say No To Violence.

Hilary Armstrong, MP for North West Durham and chief whip, also released more than 100 balloons in a symbolic gesture against domestic violence Each balloon released in Durham Market Place represented a woman living with the scourge of domestic violence.

It was the latest of a series of publicity-grabbing events organised by the police-backed North Durham Domestic Violence Forum which works on behalf of victims of physical abuse.

The MP added her name to a large white board bearing the message Say No To Violence, which has gone on display at the Prince Bishops Centre in Durham City. A similar board has been put in place at the Civic Centre in Chester-le-Street, CountyDurham.

Campaigners are hoping as many people as possible will put their names to the board, which features a backdrop of white ribbons.

Child and family protection officer PC Kath Sparrow said: "We hope to increase awareness and give victims the confidence to come forward and realise they are not alone."