A GROUP campaigning to reinstate the Ridings of Yorkshire is holding a public meeting in the region.

Leading campaigners for recognition of the area's status as part of Yorkshire will take part in an open discussion at the meeting in Thornaby, on Thursday, next week.

The campaigners claim, despite various changes to local government in the past 25 years, the Ridings of Yorkshire still legally exist.

They are appealing to people to use Yorkshire as part of their postal address to try to get it reinstated.

Among the speakers will be Michael Bradford, chairman of the Association of British Counties, and author of the book The Fight for Yorkshire.

Colin Holt, chairman of the Yorkshire Ridings Society (YRS), and Councillor Chris Abbott, of the YRS North Riding Group, will also be at the meeting.

The meeting will take place at the Five Lamps Centre, in Thornaby, at 7.30pm.

Admission is free and there will be light refreshments.