DEPUTY prime minister John Prescott will attempt to win over support for a regional assembly in East Lancashire when he holds a special debate in Blackburn next month.

The debate will be the first in a series Mr Prescott is holding across the three regions -- the North-West, the North-East and Yorkshire/Humberside -- and members of the public are being invited to attend.

Mr Prescott, a leading advocate of regional assemblies, will be in Blackburn on Thursday, March 4, as part of the Government's "Your Say" awareness campaign on an elected regional assembly for the North West. Local specialists on planning and housing -- two of the key responsibilities of the proposed regional assembly -- will join ministers on the platform alongside a representative from the Northwest Development Agency who will give advice on economic issues. The Government is proposing a referendum to give North West voters the chance to say whether they want an elected regional assembly, a new form of Government working for the entire region.

Mr Prescott said: "This is a chance for the people of the North West to hear the facts and have their say.

"I want them to have a clear understanding of the issues involved.

"The future of the region could swing on the referendum and it is only right that people know have all the facts before them before they vote."

The hearing will be held at the home of Blackburn Rovers, Ewood Park, from 6pm. Tickets from the Government Office for the North West: 0161 952 4284.