Hartlepool people have been reviewing the efforts being made to make the town a better place.

The Hartlepool Partnership annual event, at the town's Middleton Grange shopping centre, attracted more than 100 residents.

The partnership, chaired by MP Peter Mandelson, was set up in 1999 to bring together a range of local organisations to give the town a strong, united voice while improving services and facilities.

Those at the event, on Tuesday, had a chance to meet the people involved with the partnership.

At the meeting, Mr Mandelson said: "The partnership gives our town an identity and a voice. People work together and the partnership is going from strength to strength.

"The town has changed out of almost recognition in many parts. Some years ago there were areas people spoke of as no-go areas, but that is not the case now and that is because people are now better off and are happy.

"Unemployment is not as high as it was, crime is still a problem but is on a downward slope, and although anti-social behaviour is still a problem, we have to work together to combat it. We can do so if we give each other strength.

"I am proud to chair the partnership."