Voters in the North East are likely to back plans for England's first regional assembly, a poll revealed today.

The poll, which was carried out on behalf of the Yes4theNorthEast campaign group, shows support for a Yes vote is running almost 2-1 ahead of the No vote.

The North East public will vote in an all-postal referendum on November 4 to decide whether they want a regional assembly. According to the poll 48 per cent of those 'likely to vote' said they intended to vote Yes compared with 27 per cent voting No.

A quarter of respondents are still undecided as to how they will vote.

Yes4theNorthEast said the findings supported previous, smaller polls conducted over the past 18 months, which have consistently shown the Yes vote to be around 2-1 ahead of the No vote.

Campaign director Ross Forbes said: "This is the most representative poll so far and it shows that the people of the region are optimistic about what an assembly can deliver.

"What comes through loud and clear is that people want more decisions about the region taken in the region, not in London. They are also concerned about getting more, good quality jobs here in the North East.

"We're pleased with the results, but it is clear people still want to know more about the issue. Our experience shows that the more people learn about the benefits that an elected regional assembly could deliver to the North East, then the more likely they are to vote Yes.

"Referendums are often closely run things, but this poll evidence suggests people in the North East will take the opportunity for the region to have a greater say over its future."