THE Plain English Campaign has launched an outspoken attack on a further education college for using a North-East colloquialism in a poster to attract students.

East Durham and Houghall Community College is promoting a range of summer taster courses using the slogan: "Gan On - Have a Go!".

But the phrase has been leapt on by the southern-based self-proclaimed guardians of clear and succinct use of language.

Campaign manager Tony Maher said the phrase may prevent some people from understanding what the poster is about.

"Any document should bear in mind its intended audience," he said. "If they have poor literacy skills, then they will not understand such phrases, even if they hear them every day.

"And, anyone outside the local area will not realise what the phrase means at all."

He added: "We are not against using local phrases, but they should only be used when the intended audience will understand them."

The poster was defended by college principal Ian Prescott, who last night received full backing from his board of governors. He said: "It's part of the dialect here in the North-East, and particularly in east Durham.

"We have had a good response to the attempt to get local people's attention and I think I should be complimented for keeping the dialect going."