NORTH West MEP Gary Titley has taken over as leader of Labour's Euro MPs -- and immediately lent his backing to the single currency.

Radcliffe-based Mr Titley beat the current deputy leader, Linda McAvan, who represents Yorkshire.

She was favourite to become leader following the shock departure of Dr Simon Murphy.

But Mr Titley, one of 10 North-west MEPs representing Bolton, won by a majority of 17 votes to 11.

He said: "There are a number of things I now aim to pursue, one of which is pushing for Britain to join the euro.

"At first I was sceptical about the single currency, but now I am convinced that Britain cannot be on the outside looking in.

"I believe it is clear that the euro would be good for this country. I am also hoping to push for a debate on the future of Europe and the 10 countries currently queuing up for European Union membership by 2004."

Mr Titley has had a message of support from Prime Minister Tony Blair.

The 52-year-old MEP was elected yesterday following a ballot in Strasbourg, a week after Dr Murphy quit his post, blaming the "unbearable pressures" the job had placed on his home life.

Mr Titley is married to Spanish-born Charo, aged 48. They have two adult children.