TRIBUTES have been paid to the man known by many as Mr Gateshead as he bowed out after three decades of service to the town.

Prime Minister Tony Blair led the praise for George Gill, who retired this week after 17 years as leader of Gateshead Borough Council and after almost 30 years as councillor for residents of Chopwell.

Mr Blair said: "George has been one of the outstanding local politicians of the last decade.

"He possessed great vision and foresight, and worked tirelessly to take Gateshead forward into the 21st Century, whilst his work in the field of sport and the arts has given Gateshead a national and international reputation second to none."

Mr Gill's work as chairman of Northumbria Police Authority also brought praise from two of the UK's most senior police officers, who recognised his efforts in reducing crime across Northumbria.

Sir John Stevens, who is Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police and a former Chief Constable of Northumbria, said: "His outstanding political leadership led Northumbria Police, over a period of eight years, to reduce crime in the area by nearly 50 per cent."

Antony Gormley, the Angel of the North sculptor, said: "George was the Geordie who knew what he wanted for Gateshead and for the whole of the North-East.

"I am proud to have been part of the process by which Gateshead has used art as a catalyst for the re-visioning of a people and place."

* Gateshead's Labour Group has elected Councillor Mick Henry as its new leader. The group also elected Councillor Ian Mearns as its deputy leader.

Coun Henry and Coun Mearns are expected to be elected as leader and deputy leader of Gateshead council at its annual meeting on Friday.

Coun Henry said: "It is a great privilege to be elected as leader of the Labour Group. I will serve Gateshead to the best of my ability.

"I would also like to pay tribute to the tremendous work George Gill did as leader."