A CANDIDATE for the Euro elections last night said printing problems were turning the postal ballot for the North-East into a shambles.

UK Independence Party candidate Neil Herron said four authorities -Newcastle City, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Gateshead - had not printed the ballot papers and that it could be tomorrow at the earliest before they are with the Royal Mail for distribution.

Mr Herron said: "When we paid our £5,000 to enter this democratic process, we were told that ballot papers would be distributed across the region on May 26, 27 and 28.

"What we appear to be witnessing, if proved to be true, is a complete and utter shambles."

Gateshead Council's chief executive and returning officer, Roger Kelly, said: "Our current printer has been unable to meet the deadlines we require to get the postal ballot papers all delivered this week.

"The papers have been printed, but they need to be properly addressed for delivery and we are talking to a number of other suppliers to find a solution.

"There will be a delay in sending out the papers, but at this stage we are confident we can get them out by next week, so people should have at least a week to return them.

"This is a problem that affects a number of authorities in different regions and is not unique to Gateshead."

Constitutional Affairs Minister Christopher Leslie said: "Returning officers are on target to post ballot packs by the deadline on June 1.

"While the Royal Mail has received the majority of ballot packs, technical printing issues have caused slight delays in some areas, but within target margins."