A NORTH-EAST mayor has swapped his top-of-the-range Jaguar for a more environmentally-friendly mayoral limousine.

Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon will no longer travel around the town in a chauffeur-driven V8 4000cc Jaguar Sovereign.

Instead, he will drive himself in a two-seater 600cc Smart Pulse.

He has decided he does not need the £44,000 vehicle anymore and will be be using a £7,000 clean machine to reduce pollution on Teesside.

Mr Mallon said: "Traffic congestion and pollution is becoming a major concern for every town and city in Britain and people want to see their elected leaders doing something about it.

"I am a car nut and have probably had over 100 different models since passing my test, but since taking office I have become more and more aware of the desperate need for action.

"I was sitting in a traffic jam in the Jaguar recently with the engine running and I just thought to myself 'why are you in such a big car?' If I can make the change, then anyone can."

The Jaguar, which is also used by Middlesbrough Speaker Councillor Ken Hall, has a top speed of 150mph and does only 23.7 miles to the gallon.

The Smart car can reach 84mph if pushed but is far more efficient with a fuel consumption of 60 miles to the gallon.