TORY leadership hopeful Iain Duncan Smith has pledged to use his own background to restore his party's fortunes in the North-East.

The former soldier, who was in Newcastle yesterday to address Conservative activists from across the region, admitted that it would be a hard task to inspire a revival after two successive General Election wipe-outs.

But he said the urban problems of the North-East had similarities to those of his own London constituency.

"It is a real challenge for us in this area. But I'm an MP representing a seat in east London, in what is essentially an inner-city borough," he said.

"A lot of the experiences of my constituents are very similar to those of people up here."

He said one of his priorities - revitalising public services - was particularly crucial for people living in urban areas.

"It is in inner-cities where people face a terrible problem of failure in public services," he said.

He said he aimed to break the state monopoly on health care, allowing voluntary and private sector providers to work alongside the NHS.

Carolyn Smith, a Tory activist in Newcastle, said the meeting had strengthened her determination to vote for Mr Duncan Smith.

She said: "I think he has a very vibrant personality and I support his policies. This has reinforced what I think."

But Tynemouth activist Lawrence Goveas said he was still unsure, with just ten days to go before the leadership ballot closes.