VOTERS in a North-East borough are this morning awaiting the outcome of a poll to elect a new mayor.

The election was prompted by the resignation of Tory Chris Morgan following his arrest for an alleged indecent assault and possession of child porn - allegations he denies.

Euro-MP Dr Gordon Adam heads the Labour bid to retake the seat, which was clinched by Mr Morgan last May.

Dr Gordon became North Tyneside's first mayor, then its deputy leader for five years during the 1970s, when he resigned after winning his European Parliamentary seat in 1979.

The Tories bid is led by cabinet member Linda Arkley, who argues a return to Labour would mean financial chaos, higher council taxes and the loss of green space.

The Liberal Democrat candidate is Councillor Michael Huscroft, a Wallsend ward councillor for 30 years.

The National Front is represented by Robert Batten, while Louise van der Hoeven heads the Socialist Alliance bid.