'Robocop' wins second mayor term

Ray Mallon was first elected as mayor in 2002

Former police officer Ray Mallon has won a second term as the elected mayor of Middlesbrough.

Mr Mallon, dubbed Robocop when he pioneered zero-tolerance policing on Teesside, gained 58.5% of votes on the first count.

He once again stood as an independent, and said he would use his mandate to push through a pro-youth agenda.

Results for the town's local election have now been re-counted, confirming Labour have retained control.

Elsewhere on Teesside, Redcar and Cleveland remains under no overall control with some Labour gains.

Labour suffered some losses in Teesdale, where the independents dominate, and Stockton also remains under no overall control.

Only one third of seats in Hartlepool were contested and Labour retained control with some losses to the independents and Liberal Democrats.