PLANS to improve a town's air quality have won government backing.

In a new report, Middlesbrough Borough Council reveals how it proposes to ensure that the area's air quality meets 12 government health standards.

Among them is a suggestion for a mini-air monitoring station to keep close checks on pollution levels.

Now the report, to be presented to the council's cabinet, has been endorsed by the Government.

Councillor Ken Walker, the council leader, said the proposals should help to dispel the town's dirty image.

He said: "For far too long, there has been a myth that we have poor air standards in Middlesbrough.

"The results of the review we submitted to the Government - and the approval we have now received - should destroy that myth for ever."

Under government proposals, those authorities which seem unlikely to meet the required standards face having so-called "air quality management areas" imposed.

It is predicted that these could affect up to 100 parts of the country.

Coun Walker said the clean-air plan should help attract new businesses.

"I believe it is a real boost for our efforts to attract new investment into the area and to demonstrate that Middlesbrough can offer the right environment for people to live and work," he said.