NORTH-EAST television presenter Mike Neville was yesterday singled out for praise by the Prime Minister.

Tony Blair singled out the frontman, who presented BBC regional early evening news programme Look North for many years and now does the same job with Tyne Tees' North East Tonight show.

Speaking at the ITV News Group Awards, at BAFTA in London, Mr Blair said Mr Neville was "an exceptional journalist" and "a respected and well-loved figure in the North-East".

Mr Neville picked up a lifetime achievement award and Mr Blair, whose Sedgefield constituency is covered by North East Tonight, said: "For a remarkable 40 years, Mike has been the face of local news in our region."

He added: "I'm delighted to hear that, unlike Alan Shearer, you have no plans to retire at the end of the season."

Michael Jermey, editor of ITV regional news and chairman of the judges, said Mr Neville was "a broadcasting legend" who richly deserved the award.

The Prime Minister praised regional news in the UK. He said: "We are fortunate in this country in having some brilliant news and current affairs coverage, and the best of our regional news programmes - and the journalists who put together these programmes - are right up there with the best of the national broadcasting and broadcasters."