THE first indication of whether the North-East is in favour of a regional assembly will be given tomorrow.

Earlier this year, Durham County Council wrote to 32,000 households throughout the county, selected randomly, to gauge the level of interest in holding a referendum on the issue.

Five hundred businesses were also surveyed, and voluntary and community groups, town and parish councils, and the council's main partner organisations were encouraged to complete an online questionnaire.

The results will be used as part of the council's submission to the Government on a directly elected regional assembly for the North-East.

Each English region is being asked its views to determine if a referendum should be held.

Durham County Council's findings will be released at a Press conference tomorrow.

Council leader, Councillor Ken Manton, said they were "interesting and revealing".

He said: "Although we were primarily concerned with testing support for the idea of a referendum, we also asked people what prompted them to say they were in favour of, or against, a referendum.

"As a result, we have been able to gain an indication of the levels of support for, and opposition to, a regional assembly among those who responded, and the overall level of awareness of the Government's proposals.

"The survey attracted a very high level of response for an exercise of its kind, and will enable us to give the Government a very clear and informative snapshot of the position in County Durham."