AN MP who has campaigned to have a decaying former Navy minesweeper removed from the region has welcomed news that work will be carried out to reduce its environmental impact.

Frank Cook, MP for Stockton North, has led calls for the disposal of TS Kellington, which is berthed on the River Tees in the town.

The vessel was sold to local sea cadets by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) ten years ago for £2,000.

They used it as a training ship, but it was later condemned as unsafe and has been unused for several years.

The sea cadets were unable to finance disposal of the ship and the MoD denied responsibility.

However, following talks organised by Mr Cook, Defence Minister Lord Drayson confirmed that Kellington's bilges will be pumped out later this month as a first step towards dealing with concerns that the poor state of the vessel poses a risk to the river.

Lord Drayson also contacted Environment Minister Ben Bradshaw over the issue of funding disposal of the ship.

Mr Cook said: "When I met Lord Drayson, I emphasised the need to find a solution to the Kellington, which is in a very poor state and could cause serious environmental problems if it were to sink at its present mooring.

"I am pleased that the minister has responded positively and that action is to be taken to pump out the bilges.

"Clearly, the issue of costs for the disposal of the vessel must be resolved, and I will certainly be making representations to the environment ministry and pressing for them to work with the MoD to find a solution.

"The problem is becoming ever more urgent, which is why I will be maintaining the pressure for agreement over how, and when, it can be moved and safely dismantled."

Former Stockton mayor, Alderman Jim Vaughan, recently called for Kellington to become a tourist attraction, but Mr Cook said it was beyond repair.