REGIONAL offices, from which the Liberal Democrats' first North-East Euro-MP will be based in this country, officially opened yesterday.

But the premises, next to Durham's Royal County Hotel, New Elvet, will also serve as the campaign centre from which the party will mastermind its bid to win a targeted North-East seat at the next election.

Fiona Hall, who became the region's first LibDem MEP in June's election, helped senior party figure Alan Beith to open the office

Ms Hall previously worked as a researcher for the Berwick MP.

The telephone number for the office is 0191-383 0119.