NORTH YORKSHIRE County Council has voted to oppose Government plans for a directly- elected regional assembly for Yorkshire and the Humber.

Council leade, John Weighell welcomed the majority decision at yesterday's full council meeting.

He said: "Any discussion about regional government would be a costly distraction at a time when local authorities are trying to deliver improved public services."

Members also agreed if there is a referendum on regional government one of the options put to the public should be a unitary county council to deliver all services.

Updated: 10:39 Thursday, July 24, 2003