NORTH of Tyne Mayor Jamie Driscoll has pledged to ban junk food advertising on public transport across the north-east if he is re-elected this week.

Mr Driscoll, running for the newly created regional mayoralty of the wider north-east as an independent after being barred from standing for Labour, follows London Mayor Sadiq Khan in ordering the ban.

The move was prompted by an exchange on social media with celebrity chef and food campaigner Jamie Oliver.

Mr Driscoll said today: “We need to promote the welfare of our next generation. Because the kids who are struggling to learn today will not be the ones to access the good jobs of tomorrow.

“But it’s also about making sure kids are eating the right food. Jamie Oliver has done great work to highlight the importance of healthy eating.

“At 11 per cent, we have the highest rate of childhood obesity in the country. That’s why I’ll ban junk food advertising on public transport if elected North East Mayor.

“Five-years ago, Sadiq Khan banned junk-food advertising across London’s TfL.

“It has prevented almost 100,000 obesity cases, saved the NHS over £200 million, and it didn’t negatively affect advertising revenue.

“As North East Mayor I want to make sure no child is left behind.  I’ll continue to campaign against the cruel two-child benefit cap that keeps 45,000 north-east kids in poverty. “

Polling suggests that Mr Driscoll is neck-and-neck with Labour in the race, with voting tomorrow.