A 61-year-old councillor has been questioned by civic leaders about the sending of explicit poems to Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon.

Jackie Elder has been asked to stop sending the unsolicited correspondence to the former detective.

Ms Elder has reportedly been warned about her behaviour and told by council chiefs that she could be reported to the standards board.

The board - which oversees councillors' behaviour - has the power to remove those in breach of codes of conduct.

It is understood the poems and letters - described by Ms Elder as a personal welcome gift - made mention of "velvet lips", "being undressed" and "fondling" although it is not clear whether these were directed at the mayor.

Last night Mr Mallon, who is on holiday, declined to comment.

Ms Elder, an independent councillor who once sat as a Conservative, won her seat in Middlesbrough's Linthorpe ward in the elections in May.

The Northern Echo understands that prior to her election, she had no formal contact with Mr Mallon, who received the letters at the Town Hall.

Ms Elder said: "I have been on a creative writing course for the last four years at Leeds University and as a welcome from me as a new councillor, I gave the mayor two poetry anthologies.

"Any other material that he might have received is in the same vein as this.

"This is a private matter between myself, the mayor and the chief executive of Middlesbrough council."

Council chief executive Brian Dinsdale said: "We are aware of these issues and we are currently attempting with Councillor Elder to resolve these to everyone's satisfaction.

"I have spoken to Ray Mallon who is offended by her behaviour and is considering taking appropriate action unless her correspondence comes to an end."