TWO Middlesbrough mayoral candidates unveiled their manifestos yesterday with pledges to clean up the town - in more ways than one.

Charity worker and independent candidate Rod Jones, 54, promised to tackle the town's escalating drugs and prostitution problems if he becomes Middlesbrough's first elected mayor on May 2.

And Liberal Democrat contender Councillor Joe Michna said he was happy to be seen as the "green" candidate, with pledges to improve the environment by implementing litter and recycling schemes.

Mr Jones, a convicted armed robber who has spent much of his adult life behind bars, said cracking down on crime was his number one priority.

"I have led a somewhat colourful life prior to 1984 but I have been totally open and honest about that and have put it all behind me. I think my past will actually help me to get tough on crime."

Mr Jones, who has run the international children's charity Convoy Aid Romania for the last 12 years, wants to see prostitutes moved from residential areas into a supervised facility where they can be protected from pimps and receive regular health screenings.

"The building would be similar to ones they have in Germany and Amsterdam. People want to push prostitution under the carpet. It will always exist but we need to get it away from where kids are growing up."

Mr Jones, who says he would not accept the substantial mayoral salary on offer, also pledged to crack down on a small hard-core of drug dealers in the town.

"As mayor of Middlesbrough I would be very, very strong on crime. It is time to stop talking about it and do it."

Coun Michna's manifesto pledges include a commitment to making Middlesbrough Council more accountable for its services, nurturing small businesses, and tackling crime and anti-social behaviour.

But his primary aim, he said, was to make Middlesbrough a greener town.

"My vision and aspirations for Middlesbrough are distinctly green with a big emphasis on improving all aspects of our local environment.

"I would have a comprehensive community litter strategy to tackle problems of excessive litter and rubbish and I would work to have much better recycling facilities and improved waste management policies.

"I would also adopt an ambitious zero waste strategy."

Coun Michna said he had a vision of Middlesbrough becoming the design and architectural capital of the north.

"It could be a place where people will visit for short breaks, weekend trips and day trips to see what can be achieved in urban design and architecture.

"This is an ambitious plan and one which would need the support of the local business sector and many others. I am prepared to provide the leadership for such a vision of what Middlesbrough can become.