SHOPPERS were asked to add their support to a campaign for a directly-elected mayor in Stockton borough.

Councillor Steve Walmsley, a former Labour councillor, who is standing as an independent in May's election, gathered names for the petition at the Asda store, in Thornaby, on Saturday.

Earlier this year, Coun Walmsley left the Labour party after a disagreement with its hierarchy over the status of Thornaby.

He listed the closure of Tedder School, the backing of the Bowesfield Farm development and the naming of Stockton Riverside College as evidence that Thornaby residents' views were being ignored.