A North-East MP has dismissed criticisms of Able UK's plans to bring more "ghost ships" to the region as self-indulgence.

Teesside MP Frank Cook said the area faced losing out on vital jobs after reports of plans to set up a rival shipbreaking operation at one of Swan Hunter's yards, on the River Tyne. The company is said to be in advanced discussions with a Dutch company.

The Labour MP for Stockton North called for people to unite behind Able UK, which is waiting to see if it is granted planning permission to develop its Graythorp site, near Hartlepool.

Mr Cook said: "There has been an awful lot of talk, and indeed a lot of posturing, over Able UK and the so-called ghost ships saga.

"Well, it is time now to end that kind of self-indulgence and for everyone on Teesside to make clear that this is one occasion when we are not prepared to play second fiddle to the Tyne."

He said Teesside could become a world leader in ship recycling.

Able UK's plans have come in for heavy criticism from environmental groups as well as locals concerned about possible contamination from derelict ships.

www.ghostships.co.uk