A survey of 32,000 households, and 500 businesses, by Durham County Council, showed 65.7% of those who replied backed the idea of a referendum over a regional assembly for the North East.

The North East is likely to be first to hold a referendum on the issue, but the county council survey showed a large part of the local population is unaware of the proposals.

Now the leader of Durham County Council is to write to Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott urging him to step up an information campaign outlining the government's proposals for the regions.

This is a key area that the government must address if it hopes to win any referendum Ken Manton, Durham County Council leader

The Queen's Speech in November announced a three-track agenda for Deputy Prime Minister Mr Prescott, who has been a long-term advocate of regional devolution.

But two in five people in County Durham said they did not know what it entailed.

County Council leader Ken Manton said: "The survey showed that people in County Durham want to exercise their right to vote.

"But they want to know more about what they're being asked to vote on first.

"This lack of awareness is worrying, and we shall be doing what we can - both directly and through the government - to ensure people are better informed.

Online survey

"This is a key area that the government must address if it hopes to win any referendum and push forward with the creation of a directly elected regional assembly in the North East. "

A total of 43.2% of people said they had not heard about the government's proposals.

Views were also sought from town and parish councils, voluntary and community groups and through an online questionnaire.

More than 7,000 residents took part in the survey.