A CONCERTED damage limitation exercise was under way in Hartlepool last night to persuade the world that the town has not really elected a monkey as mayor.

The message coming from senior public figures was: "The monkey is dead - long live the mayor."

H'Angus the Monkey, Hartlepool United's mascot, pulled off one of the most remarkable election coups of all time in the early hours of yesterday when he won the race to become the town's first directly-elected mayor.

But last night, H'Angus - real name Stuart Drummond - came under fire from some voters when he promptly announced he was ditching his monkey suit in favour of a more sober image.

They insisted they had voted for H'Angus - not Mr Drummond.

In winning the contest, Stuart pushed Labour hopeful and prominent local businessman Leo Gillen, a friend of Hartlepool MP Peter Mandelson, into second place. But Mr Mandelson was generous in defeat. "He's a very sensible young man and I am sure we can work well together," said the former Cabinet minister.

Brian Dinsdale, Hartlepool Borough Council's chief executive, yesterday admitted it might take time to get used to the new mayor, but he was confident Stuart would be a success.

"He has a lot to learn but I am sure over time he will gain a lot of experience," said Mr Dinsdale. "He is willing to listen and I am confident he will work well for the good of the town."

However, defeated Liberal Democrat candidate Arthur Preece, the council leader, warned that the result would turn the town into a laughing stock.

"How do you suppose we are going to attract inward investment to turn round Hartlepool's unemployment problem now?" he asked.

Stuart - whose election slogan was "Vote for H'Angus - He gives a monkey's" - is giving up his call centre job to take on the £53,000-a-year post.

Yesterday, he hailed his victory as a win for democracy and a true example of Prime Minister Tony Blair's wish to have local politicians more in tune with the people.

He said: "I never in my wildest dreams thought this would happen, but it shows how strongly the electorate feels.

"They are disillusioned by local politicians and perhaps they wanted someone who will breathe new life into it. I will work with everyone."

Responding to criticism that, in ditching the monkey suit, he's thrown away the reason people voted for him, Stuart said: "Forget about the monkey. That was only there for promotion purposes.

"Other candidates have political parties backing them - I had to have a gimmick. I am Stuart Drummond, I am the Mayor of Hartlepool, not the monkey."

During his three years in office, 28-year-old Stuart plans to concentrate on crime, activities for youngsters and sports facilities. As part of his election manifesto, his alter-ego also pledged free bananas for schoolchildren every day.

H'Angus, a somewhat boisterous mascot, was well-known for his matchday antics before he entered politics. In recent years, he has got into hot water for simulating sex behind a female match steward, and appearing drunk and disorderly at a match.

John Williams, executive director of independent think-tank the New Local Government Network, said: "Many people across Britain would claim that they have been voting for monkeys for years.

"At least we now have one willing to act in a transparent way".