North-East MPs are campaigning to block a proposal to ban "bandits" from social clubs.

The removal of high pay-out fruit machines is among the recommendations of the influential Gaming Review Body.

Now 100 MPs, many from North-East constituencies, have put their names to a Commons motion calling for the recommendation to be ignored when the findings are considered by the Government's Heritage Department.

They fear it could threaten the future of working men's clubs, many of which rely on the income from gaming machines.

The Gaming Review Body, headed by Sir Alan Budd, a former chief economy advisor to the Treasury, believes clubs cannot guarantee that children have no access to the machines, which offer pay-outs of up to £250 for a 50p stake.

Durham City MP Gerry Steinberg, who brought the motion along with Carlisle MP Eric Martlew, last night hit out at the recommendations.

"Some middle-class prat who has never been in a club, who doesn't know what a club is like, has come up with this suggestion," he said.

"Quite frankly it can only be described as ridiculous.

"If they had gone to a club they would realise young people don't tend to get in clubs much these days, but even where they do, these machines are very strongly policed."

He added: "If they succeed in putting a stop to gaming machines, a lot of clubs will be in financial difficulties.

"Many depend on the revenue from one-armed bandits to pay staff and to help in general running costs.

"These clubs play an important role in their community.

"They are often the only focal point and this can only damage them."

Mr Steinberg hopes Sports Minister Richard Caborn, who comes from a working class background in Sheffield, will use his influence to oppose the recommendation within the Heritage Department.

"At the moment we've got 100 MPs supporting this motion and there are more on the way," said Mr Steinberg.

"We're hoping the recommendation doesn't go through, but I wouldn't say we're confident.

"You can never under-estimate the power of civil servants."

John Davies, secretary of Durham City Working Men's Club, said: "If this goes through, we'll probably have to lay off a member of staff, or even consider putting up the price of the beer.

"It's not just the clubs that will suffer, the Government will be hit because it makes a fortune from gaming licences and the 17.5 per cent VAT we pay on the takings from bandit machines.

"We've only got one, but we pay more than £1,000 a year for the licence."

The consultation period for the review body's report ended last week and a decision is expected from the Heritage Department within the next few months.