AN election date has been set after the resignation of a mayor involved in a child pornography investigation.

Chris Morgan, North Tyneside's first directly elected mayor, stepped down from the role last Friday.

The decision followed his arrest by police on suspicion of possessing indecent pictures of children on his computer.

Former chartered accountant Mr Morgan, 33, was re-arrested at the home he shares with his wife, Nikki, in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, last week.

Detectives had arrested and questioned him in March, as part of an inquiry into a suspected indecent assault on a 15-year-old girl.

Mr Morgan was released on police bail until June while further inquiries were made, and so far, police have not brought any charges.

He denies all the allegations and has resigned from his £50,000-a-year post to concentrate on clearing his name.

The election to fill the seat will take place on Thursday, June 12.

With 140,000 people in North Tyneside eligible to vote, it is expected to cost the council up to £75,000 in staff time, polling and ballot papers.

North Tyneside Council chief executive John Marsden said: "It will certainly put additional pressure on the council's resources, and may lead to additional costs.

"While I have great confidence in the borough's electoral systems and staff, the earlier date could result in some council business being set aside. That is a matter we will have to consider over the next few days."

Mr Morgan became the country's only Conservative elected mayor in polls held last May which also saw former detective Ray Mallon win in Middlesbrough and ex-football club mascot Stuart Drummond win in Hartlepool.