COUNCILLOR Philip Thomson has been re-elected as Conservative group leader on Redcar and Cleveland Council following the group’s annual general meeting.

Cllr Thomson, who has represented Saltburn since 2007, is an active member of a number of local groups, including the Neighbourhood Action Partnership, Saltburn Community and Arts Association and Friends of Saltburn Library.

He currently serves on the adults and communities and resources scrutiny and improvement committees at the council.

Cllr Thomson, who is also a past president of the Langbaurgh Business Association, is a keen walker and helped found the ‘Langbaurgh Loop’ – a 38 mile walking route challenge in east Cleveland.

Meanwhile, Councillor Cliff Foggo, who represents the Skelton East ward, was elected as deputy leader.

Scottish-born Cllr Foggo is a former flight lieutenant who spent 33 years with the Royal Air Force before settling in the North-East.