Anthony Wilson is backing plans for a local parliament

The coalition group, called Yes For The North West, will visit Manchester, Liverpool, Lancashire and Cumbria.

Chaired by local businesswoman Felicity Goodey CBE, the group includes people from all political parties, trade unions, community groups and business.

A referendum on whether to create a 35-member regional assembly will be held in October.

Supporters believe an assembly would raise the profile of the region and boost the economy.

Former record company boss and television presenter, Anthony Wilson, has set up an unofficial coalition calling for devolution, called The Necessary Group.

The group is using less conventional methods to get their message across, including the creation of a flag for the North West.

We need a body that will punch our weight and win us new resources Felicity Goodey CBE

They will also host a pub quiz at Manchester's Urbis on Friday, for people to test their knowledge on the plans for a local parliament.

Felicity Goodey has held positions at the North West Development Agency, the Cultural Consortium of the North West, and as Director of Manchester 2002.

She said she has been "overwhelmed" with the amount of people wanting to get involved.

"There is almost universal recognition that the existing system doesn't work and a groundswell of support to see that things are improved," she said.

"We need a body that will punch our weight as a region and win us new resources.

"We need more jobs, more investment and better skills for the people in the North West," she added.

Meanwhile, Ben Pinnington of the North West Says No Campaign has urged people in the north west to study the fine print of the promises in the Yes campaign.

He said: "We want to warn people in the north west to examine what is on offer.

"When you examine the finer detail, there's no real power and minimum control of public services.