POLICEMAN-turned-politician Ray Mallon was yesterday confirmed as one of five new board members of regional development agency One NorthEast.

The appointment, revealed by The Northern Echo on Thursday, was announced by Jacqui Smith, Minister of State for Industry and the Regions.

Mr Mallon, a former CID chief in Middlesbrough and now the town's mayor, is a key figure in multi-million pound plans to secure investment from Dubai to transform run-down areas of Middlesbrough.

He was also a staunch supporter of the Yes campaign in the recent North-East regional assembly referendum.

In all 15 board members are contracted to carry out two days work per month on behalf of the agency and are paid £7,391 a year.

Also taking up their appointments from December 14 are Chris Thompson, Sue Underwood, Bob Symonds and Alison Thain.

Mr Thompson is chief executive of the North-East based Express group, providing engineering and support services to the aerospace, defence and oil and gas sectors, and is also chairman of the TyneWear Partnership.

Miss Underwood is chief executive of the North-East Museums, Libraries and Archives Council and a member of the North-East Tourism Advisory Board.

Coun Symonds, 55, is the leader of Sunderland City Council and has a background in personnel management working for a major plc.

Ms Thain is the chief executive of Middlesbrough-based Tees Valley Housing Group and past chairman of the North-East branch of the Chartered Institute of Housing.

Margaret Fay, chairman of One NorthEast, said: "These five individuals bring with them a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective on the region which will undoubtedly benefit One NorthEast in its goal to bolster and drive forward the regional economy."