The number of people contesting the Hartlepool by-election has risen to ten following the announcement of a further two candidates.

Ed Abrams, 34, from Cheshire, will represent the English Democrats Party, and Alan Howling Laud Hope, 62, from Hampshire, will represent the Monster Raving Loony Party.

Father-of-three Mr Abrams, who works in the information technology industry, was a candidate for the English Democrats Party at the June European elections in the North-west region.

Pub landlord Mr Hope, who is party leader, was elected as a councillor in Ashburton, Devon, and went on to become mayor.

The other candidates are: Jody Dunn (Liberal Democrat), Iain Wright (Labour); John Bloom (Respect), Stephen Allison (UK Independence Party), the Rev Richard Rogers (Common Good Party), Jim Starkey (National Front), and Jeremy Middleton (Conservatives).

The by-election, prompted by Peter Mandelson's departure to Brussels as EU Commissioner, is likely to be on October 7.

Mr Mandelson, who first fought the seat in 1992, held onto it with a 14,571 majority at the 2001 General Election.

Meanwhile, Conservative candidate Mr Middleton last night put crime at the top of the agenda for the by-election - and insisted: "Hartlepool can learn from Ray Mallon."

Responding to the concerns he has heard on the doorsteps, Mr Middleton said the zero-tolerance policing introduced by the mayor of Middlesbrough and former head of Hartlepool CID should be copied.

"It seems to me that crime is the top of the list. All crimes, whether petty or serious, destroy community life and I believe we need to have a zero tolerance policy in Hartlepool."