A NORTH-EAST MP swapped politics for painting when he dropped into a housing group fun day.

Iain Wright, MP for Hartlepool, visited Hartlepool Housing's Phoenix Centre and Children's Centre on the Central Estate to promote the importance of being a good neighbour.

There was something to appeal to young and old alike, including children's face painting, complementary therapy taster sessions, a visit by Cleveland Police horses, craft workshops on jewellery and card making, a beat the goalie competition, and a variety of market stalls.

The event was officially opened by Mr Wright, who also got involved by helping out with the launch of a consultation process on developing a good neighbour agreement for the estate.

Catherine Purdy, Housing Hartlepool chief executive, said: "A series of activities was organised to appeal to all ages with the aim of bringing local people together to promote the idea of being a good neighbour and also to acknowledge and reflect the hard work which has and continues to go on within the central estate, which has been transformed during the last ten years.

"We also are working with residents there to develop a good neighbour agreement, and as part of the event we launched the consultation process surrounding this.

"We hope that all residents on the estate will eventually sign up and play their part in making it an even better place to live."

Mr Wright said: "It celebrates and showcases what's really good about Hartlepool and the central estate. A sense of good neighbourliness and a sense of good community - that's what this event has been about."