CLEVELAND Police chief Barry Shaw last night announced he is to retire from the force next year.

The chief constable, who has been embroiled in controversy throughout much of his ten-year stint at the top, will step down in March - just two days before his 62nd birthday.

Mr Shaw's handling of the £7m Operation Lancet police corruption inquiry into the conduct of former detective superintendent Ray Mallon catapulted him into the national headlines.

He faced further controversy earlier this year during an investigation into allegations he was involved in the spreading of rumours concerning Mr Mallon and Hartlepool police station clerk Jayne Thwaites.

South Yorkshire Chief Constable Michael Hedges, who headed an inquiry into the accusations, recommended Mr Shaw be held culpable for abuse of authority and breach of confidence, but Cleveland Police Authority chose not to take disciplinary action.

Ken Walker, chairman of Cleveland Police Authority, praised Mr Shaw for his "total commitment, integrity and courage".

He said: "His resilience in the face of enormous pressures has been remarkable."

Dari Taylor, MP for Stockton South, said she thought Mr Shaw had been a good chief constable.

Mr Shaw's nemesis, Middlesbrough Mayor Mr Mallon, declined to comment on the news, which was revealed to members of Cleveland Police Authority at its meeting last night.

But his supporter, Dorothy Sewell, who resigned as chairman of Middlesbrough Crime Prevention Panel to fight for the reinstatement of Mr Mallon, said she was pleased Mr Shaw was retiring.

"The public has no confidence in this chief constable and the fact that he is going is not before time," she said