NEWCASTLE United owner Mike Ashley remains far and away the North-East’s richest man despite £250 million being wiped off his personal fortune last year, according to the new Sunday Times Rich List.

The 2015 edition of the millionaires’ league table, announced today (Friday, April 24), puts the Sports Direct founder’s value at £3.5 billion, way ahead of his nearest rival, Sunderland owner Ellis Short – said to be worth £1 billion, and 22nd in the national rich list.

The Fenwick family are third in the North-East with £650 million, property tycoons Alastair and Michael Powell are fourth on £412 million and Auckland Castle backer Jonathan Ruffer completes the top five, with £400 million.

Dragons’ Den star Duncan Bannatyne, singer Sting and Middlesbrough FC owner Steve Gibson are also in the top 20.

But retaining his place at the top of the table is unlikely to bring Mr Ashley much respite from renewed protests over the 50-year-old divorcee's running of Newcastle United.

Last weekend, thousands of fans boycotted the Magpies’ home game against Spurs and fan-led campaign group ashleyout.com is planning more protests this weekend.

Leaders are urging fans to boycott Saturday’s (April 25) game against Swansea or, if they are determined to attend, stand up in protest on 34 minutes.

There will also be peaceful protests at Sports Direct stores around the North-East on Saturday lunchtime; co-ordinated with fans of Rangers, part-owned by Mr Ashley, who will protest at branches around the Glasgow club’s Ibrox home ground.

Other efforts to target Mr Ashley’s commercial interests are also being planned.

A spokesman said: “The boycott for the Spurs game was only the start.”

The full 2015 Sunday Times Rich List will be published on Sunday. The local list for Yorkshire will be announced today (Friday).

The North-East table shows the region’s 20 richest people are worth a total of £8.5 billion.

Although he is the biggest financial loser in the last 12 months, Mr Ashley is still worth almost as much as the rest of the top five combined.

The Fenwick fortune has increased by £150 million in the last year, while the wealth of the Powells, owners of Cleveland Cables, has soared by £52 million. The only new entry into the top 20 is Alex Lamb, chair of British Engines.