A CANDIDATE for the crime commissioner role in the Durham Police force area has taken to the road in his 'vote mobile'.

Independent candidate Kingsley Smith aims to cover an average of 100 miles a day in his battle bus as he canvasses for votes in the November 15 election.

Mr Smith said: "We hope to take the van to every corner of County Durham and Darlington so we can talk directly to people about the importance of an independent commissioner and to give them the opportunity to question us directly about their priorities and concerns."

Labour's candidate for the role in County Durham and Darlington is Ron Hogg, while Nick Varley is standing for the Conservatives and Michael Costello for the UK Independence Party.