Redcar'S outgoing MP, Mo Mowlam, paid tribute to the people of the area who have supported her during her years as the town's MP.

She told The Clarion: "I would like to thank all the people in Redcar who have voted for me - and those that haven't - who have made my 14 years in Parliament a very happy time.

"I am very pleased to have been Member of Parliament for Redcar and I will miss them more than anything.

"I am not leaving Redcar so people are sure to see me around. I would wish my successor in Redcar all the best for the future."

Regarding her own future, while there are rumours about a high-profile post with the United Nations, Dr Mowlam is adamant she is going to take her time.

"I am not taking a gap year like the students do, I am taking a gap week," she said. "Then I want to raise money in America for a project for integrated education in Northern Ireland."

Dr Mowlam is also passionate about another project inspired by a friend in Redcar. She wants to set up a holiday centre for disabled youngsters where ex-drug addicts help out as a way of returning to community life.