POLITICIAN Iain Wright lost no time in hitting the campaign trail after he secured Labour's nomination to stand in the Hartlepool by-election.

Within 12 hours of his overwhelming result, the 32-year-old local councillor was keen to make an impression in his home town before he went to catch Hartlepool's opening match of the season.

The Hartlepool United season ticket holder hopes his home town roots will give him an advantage in the contest to take over the town's seat, vacated by Peter Mandelson who has become an EU commissioner.

Mr Wright's vow to keep the focus of his politics at local level was highlighted when he took to the town's streets to meet residents.

He said: "I have lived in the town all my life and I am very proud of my town. And coming from Hartlepool, I believe I think I will know what people will want and that is exactly what I am going to continue doing.

"I intend to work very hard during this campaign and I have no intention of being complacent."

He represents the Rift House ward, where he lives with his wife Tiffiny and their three children.

One supporter Malcolm Ellerey, 64, said: "It is great for the town to have a local man standing. It could be the best thing to happen to Hartlepool in a long, long time.

"I hope the people of the town rally round him and get him elected."

Another resident who met Mr Wright was Alison Davis, 23.

She said: "With him being a local man and young, I think he could bring a new impetus to politics in the town.

"I did not vote in the last election, but I will this time around, especially if it means we can get someone who has the town's best interests at heart and not just his own."

The Liberal Democrats chose barrister Jodi Dunn, 35, from Gainford, near Darlington, as their candidate.

The Conservatives and the UK Independence Party are yet to name their candidates.

The election is expected to take place in October or November.