A Plaid Cymru member of the Welsh assembly has given her backing to the campaign for a North East assembly.

Speaking on Sunday, Janet Ryder said voters in the region should support devolution to the area.

The Sunderland-born Welsh nationalist said "the regions of England would be greatly strengthened by the devolution of powers to them".

She added that the move would "create a greater regional identity and develop those structures that would support the further growth of business suited to their own region and not that that of South East England".

"Very successful business people, such as John Hall in the North East of England, uphold the advantages of devolution," she added.

"The North East would be wise to follow his example and vote a resounding 'yes' to devolution.

"It is important to gain a 'yes' vote for the future process of devolution in England."