SINGER Badly Drawn Boy has added his voice to calls for regional government in the North-west.

The acclaimed Bolton born singer, recently riding high in the charts with his single Born Again, is one of 100 prominent figures who have signed a petition claiming devolution will breathe new life into the region's fortunes.

Among the other big names joining the Necessary Group's campaign demanding a referendum on the issue are former Happy Mondays singer Shaun Ryder, who hails from Little Hulton, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and comedian Steve Coogan.

Adding his name to the petition released yesterday marks a rare public foray into politics for Badly Drawn Boy, whose real name is Damon Gough.

The singer-songwriter, who embarks on his first tour of Australia and Japan next month, has been better known for the sort of cosy domestic lyrics which characterise his latest album Have You Fed The Fish? His involvement, along with the other stars, has been praised by Cllr Derek Boaden, chairman of the existing North West Regional Assembly. He said: "This impressive array of media personalities, entertainers and activists can only help to engage new audiences in the regional debate."

The declaration was presented to the office of Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott yesterday.

The petition claims a North West Assembly is essential if the North-South divide is to be closed and residents of the region are to feel they have a say in the decision making process. With a regional assembly, the declaration argues, the area would be more likely to secure its fair share of funding.