WORLD-FAMOUS thriller writer Frederick Forsyth has added his support to the campaign against a North-East assembly.

Mr Forsyth - an opponent of a federal Europe - has contacted campaigners urging a "no" vote against a regional assembly, and plans to travel to the North-East to voice his opposition.

Sunderland shopkeeper Neil Herron, who is leading a coalition against a regional assembly, said: "He is opposed to regional government and feels that it could lead to the break-up of England, with individual regions reduced to squabbling among each other.

"One of the worries is that the regionalisation agenda will lead to regions bypassing control from Westminster and dealing directly with Brussels."

Meanwhile, Mr Herron has distanced himself from a reported attempt by the far-right British National Party (BNP) to bid for Electoral Commission money to lead a "no" campaign in the North-East.

He said: "The BNP is not connected with us. We are a broadbased coalition taking in ethnic groups and all parts of society."