THE Liberal Democrats' only North-East MP yesterday declared himself confident that other party colleagues would be elected in the region on May 5.

Speaking at the regional launch of the Liberal Democrats' manifesto, Berwick MP Alan Beith said: "We are on a winning streak in the North-East because people see us as the real alternative to Labour, and that will be delivered in terms of more MPs.

"I confidently predict I will not be the only Lib Dem MP in the region after May 5."

The party is targeting three seats: Durham City, Blaydon and Newcastle Central - which covers the Quayside where yesterday's launch was held.

The party's manifesto promised a fairer funding deal for the region to replace the discredited Barnett Formula, action to improve the region's transport network and a fresh impetus to the drive to bring Whitehall jobs to the North.

He said: "The fundamental imbalance between the North and South requires investment in transport and infrastructure.

"The North starts at a disadvantage and the Lib Dems would put in place a fair funding formula.

"We would also move civil service jobs to the North.

"Recent governments have shied away from it and Labour have talked about it, but governments in the past have shown they can actually do it - Longbenton was set up many decades ago and the Land Registry was set up in Durham."

He also promised action to strengthen local authorities, returning strategic planning powers to councils, and increase democratic accountability over those regional quangos that continue.