A CHARITY worker could stand against former Cleveland Police officer Ray Mallon - if the electorate of Middlesbrough vote to have an elected mayor.

Rod Jones is signing over the charity he founded, Convoy Aid, to his Romanian wife, Gabriella, to allow him to campaign for a yes vote in October's referendum.

The 52-year-old son of a former Middlesbrough councillor said that after the people of Middlesbrough had given so generously to Convoy Aid, it was time to say thank you.

He said: "I would want no payment whatsoever - no attendance allowances, for going to meetings, nothing.

"I think one quality I could bring to the job is that of being streetwise, knowing what is going on."

Mr Jones said his experience would help him fight drugs and crime.

help him fight crime in the drugs scourge and crime.

"You have to have someone in place who understands all these problems.''