FROM the moment the North-East was chosen to lead the debate over regional government, The Northern Echo has called for Durham City to be at the heart of any North-East parliament.

It is the only acceptable answer to the suspicions and rivalries which continue to undermine the North-East's claims to a regional identity.

We are delighted therefore to see that the message is getting home. Local government minister Nick Raynsford, during a visit to the region on Monday, supported the case for Durham City, recognising the folly of allowing Tyneside to dominate.

Councillor Bob Gibson, leader of Stockton Council and of the existing non-elected North-East Assembly, has also thrown his weight behind Durham's claims.

There is now a momentum behind Durham City as the ideal location for regional government which will be hard to resist.

Durham County Council has earmarked a building at Aykley Heads for a temporary home for regional government, as well as identifying land for a purpose-built base if that was deemed to be necessary.

Our view is that Durham already has the ideal building for a North-East parliament. We hope that Redhills, the former headquarters of the Durham branch of the National Union of Miners, is given serious consideration for such a role if the North-East votes 'yes' to devolution.

With its architectural splendour, sense of history, gravitas, and magnificent central chamber, we can think of no better place to debate the affairs, needs and dreams of this great region.

A courageous hero

THE public reaction to news of Frank Bruno's illness is testimony to the affection in which he is held throughout the country.

He won our hearts with his unique blend of courage, humour and humility which reached people with no interest in boxing.

The Sun has been rightly vilified for its crass headline which branded him "bonkers".

Mental illness affects millions of families and should be treated with the utmost sensitivity by the media.

As Frank faces up to his toughest fight, we join fans nationwide in wishing him a speedy recovery.