North East MPs and Lords are being urged to support devolution proposals aimed at boosting the economy and generating growth.

Cllr Simon Henig, chair of the North East Combined Authority (NECA), will travel to Westminster tomorrow (March 18) to meet national politicians representing the North East to discuss how devolving powers could benefit the area.

The meetings are among a series of events being held by NECA to seek views on devolution proposals relating to issues such as transport, roads, employment, training and housing investment.

Public events have already been held in Gateshead and Newcastle with more due to take place in the remaining five local authority areas covered by NECA, including one in Durham this evening.

Cllr Henig said: “We believe that devolving powers on key regeneration issues would result in better decisions being made for our area.

“It is important that we hear the views of residents, businesses and our national politicians so that they can help to shape our final proposals before we begin discussions with the Government.”

As well as the public events there is the opportunity for people to give their views online at www.northeastca.gov.uk/devolution

Details of all of the public events, including how to register to attend, are also available on the website.