THE outgoing leader of Middlesbrough Council defended his record yesterday during what he called his "seven-year mission to modernise" the town.

Councillor Ken Walker, who steps down on Monday, said at the council's annual meeting that since becoming a unitary authority Middlesbrough Council had not been scared to take innovative decisions.

And he claimed the council's Service Middlesbrough partnership with private firm Hyder Business Services was "the envy of other councils".

The Labour-controlled authority embarked on the scheme to improve service delivery with an injection of private money and, as part of the deal, 1,000 council staff were transferred to the partnership - amid much criticism.

Coun Walker, who was ousted as Labour group leader earlier this month by Coun Paul Thompson, said the initiative had gained national attention and had created 30 jobs with many more expected.

He said that, during his seven years as leader, Middlesbrough had the lowest council tax on Teesside yet massive improvements were made to the town, including Captain Cook Square, the new multiplex cinema, two new swimming pools and plans for two city academies.