NORTH-EAST residents are being urged by campaigners to vote to remain in the EU.

To mark 100 days until the EU Referendum is held, campaigners with Britain Stronger In Europe are calling on people across the region to “secure our future” and back a vote to Remain.

Volunteers have been handing out leaflets and taking part in debates across the region as the countdown to the once-in-a-lifetime vote continues.

Durham County Council leader and North East Combined Authority chairman Simon Henig CBE has declared his support for an In vote and has joined North-East field director of Britain Stronger In Europe, Jessie Joe Jacobs, and a small army of volunteers at Durham Railway Station this evening.

The group are using the rush hour to catch commuters and talk to them about the benefits of membership of the European Union for the region. It comes as the national campaign steps up a gear with David Cameron releasing a new Britain Stronger In Europe video calling on UK voters to “secure our future” at the referendum on June 23.

North East field director Jessie Joe Jacobs, said: “The North-East is a net recipient of EU funding. Being part of Europe guarantees investment and jobs continue to flow into this region.

“I want us to continue as an outward-looking region and for the country to retain its all-important seat at the table of power in Brussels.

“Let’s not forget that the EU is the world’s largest trading bloc and the North-East, as the only region with a positive balance of trade, massively benefits from our membership.

“Those who back Brexit can’t tell you what Out looks like. But, instead of taking a leap in the dark, I hope the North-East takes this opportunity to secure our future and votes to Remain.”