Matthew Kelly got a standing ovation in the North-East last night after appearing on stage for the first time since he was cleared of child abuse.

The 52-year-old TV presenter responded with broad smiles and a huge thumbs-up sign at Darlington's Civic Theatre.

Members of last night's audience said they were glad Kelly had been cleared.

James Jowett, 29, from Darlington, said: "I'm pleased. You are innocent until proven guilty, aren't you?"

His wife Nicola, also 29, said: "It is a shame once you are slandered, because then you are stuck with it."

Earlier, Kelly arrived at the theatre hand in hand with his wife, Sarah, to appear as Lennie in a touring production of Of Mice and Men.

He said: "I would like to thank everyone for supporting me. The public have been fantastic and so have all the theatre companies.

"Darlington is always great. I am looking forward to the show tonight and hope to get a good North-East welcome."

His wife said: "I am very, very happy."

Kelly was arrested after a man made allegations that he had been sexually assaulted as a child.

Kelly emphatically denied any wrong-doing and told police he had never met the man, who is now in his late 30s.

On Monday, police announced that, after a thorough investigation, no further action was to be taken.