JAILED Tory peer and millionaire author Jeffrey Archer has property in the North-East, according to a new register of interests.

Lord Archer is listed in the first compulsory list of peers' outside interests as having "rented urban property in London, Tyne and Wear, North Shields, Telford and Workington".

The former deputy chairman of the Conservative Party was jailed last year for four years for perjury and perverting the course of justice.

The register also lists him as having share holdings in an art dealers, three investment holdings companies and a car sales firm, but gives no more details about the land holdings.

The peer's interest in North Shields came as a surprise to Councillor Eddie Darke, the former deputy Labour leader of North Tyneside Council.

"It's the first I've heard about it, to be honest. It's a strange place for him to have an interest in,'' he said.

"I don't think it would be anything too lavish, although there are some nice properties at Commissioners Wharf at the Royal Quays and in the Dolphin Square complex overlooking the river.'