ONE NORTHEAST was criticised last night for providing financial backing to a Newcastle United-themed garden at this year's Chelsea Flower Show.

The regional development agency was accused of "breathtaking lunacy" for contributing £5,000 to the floral tribute at the Royal Horticultural Society's premier event.

Frank Cook, Stockton North MP, said: "What on earth is One NorthEast doing funding something like this, unless One NorthEast is specifically designed to look after Tyneside interests?

"That is not the bloody point of One NorthEast - they are meant to project the potential and skills of the North-East region, not just the Tyne but also the Wear, the Tees and West Durham. What the hell has that got to do with the Magpies?

"This is a true scandal, it is breathtaking lunacy."

Stacy Hall, director of communications at One NorthEast, said: "One NorthEast seeks to ensure that any project it supports benefits the region, including highlighting the high level of expertise that exists within the North-East on the international stage.

"The Chelsea Flower Show is acknowledged as the world's premier gardening event and as Landscape Management Services was the only request for sponsorship made to the agency in connection with the 2004 show, it was decided to support this garden with £5,000 sponsorship.

"The agency recognised that the design contained elements with a strong sub-regional theme in its reference to Newcastle United, but felt the garden provided an excellent opportunity to showcase the North-East's landscape design expertise."