NORTHERN cities with strong growth potential, including Newcastle, should share in the next round of Euro funding.

That is the finding of policy researchers into how Britain should divide its share of the EU cake, which has been reduced following the expansion in member states.

Recent European enlargement means that the money the UK receives for regional development will decrease from £11.5bn in 2000-2006, to £6.5bn from next year until 2013.

The EU has already set aside £3bn for areas outside the North-East.

Experts at the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) believe it should be targeted at a number of "city-regions", such as Newcastle and the wider Tyneside area.

The IPPR's Centre for Cities says these have the highest growth potential outside the South-East, with a likely knock-on benefit across the surrounding regions.

The IPPR findings feature in its report called Last Orders! What the New EU Budget Means for Britain's Cities, by Adam Marshall and John Adams.

It is available at www.ippr.org/centrefor cities