A Redcar and Cleveland councillor looks set to take over the reins of Cleveland Police Authority when the chairman steps down next month.

It is understood that deputy chairman Coun Dave McLuckie is the favoured choice to replace Ted Cox.

His appointment is not expected to be opposed when a vote takes place at the authority's annual meeting, on June 16.

Coun McLuckie said this week: "I will be throwing my hat into the ring and would be honoured and delighted to serve as chairman.

"Under the leadership of Ted Cox, myself, and the Cleveland Police Chief Constable, Sean Price, we have been able to stabilise the current financial situation and seen the men and women who work on the policing frontline produce some of the best results for crime reduction ever seen in the history of the force.

"I am hopeful that the police authority will be able to carry on this good work and take Cleveland Police forward, while providing the best service and the best possible value for the public."

Coun McLuckie's expected appointment will be significant, as it will be the first time in many years that the chairmanship has been held by a councillor from the East Langbaurgh district.

He has been a Redcar and Cleveland councillor since 1995 and, prior to serving as vice-chairman, had previously spent two years on the police authority.

While deputy chairman, Coun McLuckie, 44, has encouraged the authority to be more open and accountable, and instigated Question Time-style sessions for the public at authority meetings.

Mr Cox, a magistrate, was appointed as chairman to the authority in July last year, taking over from Ken Walker. He has overseen a financial recovery plan for the Cleveland force following the discovery of a £7.3m financial 'black hole' in its budget