AN unseemly row erupted after questions were raised over the use of funding for Christmas presents for children of sacked SSI steelworkers.

The insinuation that more could have been done for the youngsters was branded as "scurrilous" by the councillor who oversaw the running of the Teesside Steel Appeal.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council set up the appeal, originally called the Families of Steel Appeal, to raise money for children affected by the closure of steelworks last year.

Thousands of pounds was donated to the cause to provide youngsters with Christmas presents as families struggled to come to terms with the Redcar plant's closure.

Cllr Anne Watts, who was originally on the committee set up to oversee the campaign, raised concerns that only 60 children had received gifts but 300 families had been given financial support.

The Conservative member for the Westworth ward in Guisborough asked: "Why were there only 60 children given presents when, allegedly, there was a unit full of presents and it was agreed that the money raised could be used to buy more presents if necessary?

"Were these the children of ex-steelworkers or did they come from the families of contractors and associated industries who had received no government pay outs?"

She also questioned whether any accounts had been kept and what would happen to any cash left over.

Cllr Pallister, the cabinet member for health and housing, reacted angrily to the insinuation that there had been anything inappropriate had happened with the cash donated to the appeal.

She said: "Can I say how proud the TSA all were to help so many children and families across Teesside. Going out delivering sacks full of presents to children, 100 high street vouchers for teenagers and supermarket vouchers to help pay for the Christmas dinner is something I will always remember as a lovely positive experience and the continued negativity from you Councillor Watts can never take that away.

"Children received a sack full of toys, teenagers received £100 worth of high street vouchers, two fathers to be received £100 each to buy nappies/ baby clothes and all adults received a £50 supermarket voucher to help with Christmas lunch."

She told the full council meeting that the accounts for the appeal are open for anyone to inspect and that a decision on what to do with the £11,742 balance will be made in due course.

She finished saying: "I find your judgement to be both flawed and scurrilous."