A memorial service for the late Mo Mowlam has been announced and will take place later this year.

The former North-East MP's family has been consulted about the plans, drawn up by a civic 'brains trust', led by Redcar Mayor Peter Spencer.

Redcar and Cleveland Councillor Mr Spencer revealed the plan at a Council meeting in Eston Town Hall and told councillors: "I am pleased to announce that a memorial service will be held in early December.

"We have spoken to Mo's family and they are happy with our arrangements."

Councillor Spencer added: "We are concentrating on the service first of all, then we will begin to consider a permanent memorial for Mo. "We have had plenty of suggestions from the public, for which we are very grateful."

More details on the format of the service are expected to be released when Councillor Spencer and the former Mayors convene their next meeting on Monday, October 24.

Mo died in August following a short stay in a hospice.