A HIGH-powered leader is being sought for the Northwest Development Agency.

The current chairman, Lord Thomas of Macclesfield, retires in March and the region is looking for someone else to fight its corner in the corridors of power.

Advertisements for the two day a week job tell applicants that remuneration details are available on request.

But the pay is not likely to be less than the £45,000 Lord Thomas was paid in 2000-2001.

The North-west region covers Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire -- an area with a population of seven million people.

The NWDA has a budget of around £250 million.

Whoever replaces Lord Thomas will report directly to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and other ministers. Applicants are told in the advertisements: "With your impressive business track record, entrepreneurial outlook and strong commitment to the regional agenda, you will be well-equipped to build productive partnerships across the public, private and voluntary/community sectors and to encourage disparate interests to work together for the common good.

"A highly effective manager with assured interpersonal skills, you will be capable of maintaining a positive dialogue with ministers and senior officials as well as promoting the NWDA effectively via all kinds of media and events in this challenging, high-profile role."

Responses need to be in by October 16.

Before becoming chairman of the NWDA in 1999 Lord Thomas (Terry Thomas) had a successful career in banking which included nine years as managing director of the Co-operative Bank.

He was made a life peer in 1997 and takes the Labour whip.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott was on hand when civic leaders from Manchester and Liverpool signed a joint agreement -- brokered by the NWDA -- which pledges that the rival cities will work together for the good of the region.