NEW parliamentary candidates have been announced for both the Stockton North and Stockton South constituencies.

Chris Daniels has been selected as Conservative candidate for the Stockton North constituency which has been held by Labour since the seat was created in 1983 and is currently represented by Alex Cunningham.

Mr Daniels, a solicitor who has worked at the Bank of England, was born in the constituency in 1974 and went to school at Conyers in Yarm.

He said he is passionate about providing better education to the young and ensuring everyone has work opportunities.

"I look forward to listening to the views of residents, working hard to speak up for local people and offering a better alternative to Ed Miliband's Labour Party," he added.

In Stockton South, a marginal currently held by Conservative James Wharton, the Liberal Democrats have selected local businessman Drew Durning to stand.

The 56-year-old, a former marketing director who runs an online business selling organic products and lives in the constituency, is married with two daughters in their early 20s.

He said: "We have a fantastic record of achievement in government and great policies that will make society fairer, the economy stronger and the world greener."

Mr Durning grew up in St Albans Hertfordshire, spent a period of time working abroad and then raised his two daughters in Buckinghamshire. He now lives and works within the Stockton South constituency.

The General Election will be held in May.