CAMPAIGNERS urging devolution for the North-East have welcomed the progress made so far by the Welsh Assembly, on the fifth anniversary of their referendum vote.
Peter Sagar, vice-chairman of the Campaign for a North-East Assembly (CNA), said: "It is good to see the people of Wales having a far greater control over their daily lives. They are able to take initiatives in key decision areas such as economic development, culture, housing, skills and training, health, education and transport.
"We are confident our region will follow the Welsh and begin building a new North-East."
Geraldine Ormonde, chairwoman of the North-East Constitutional Convention Women's Forum, said: "Five years ago, women in public life were grossly underrepresented in both Wales and the North-East.
"Devolution in Wales has transformed the position. Half the Welsh Cabinet are women, and women are strongly represented in the assembly. Women in the North-East are looking forward to the same transformation in the political culture."
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