RAY Mallon unveiled his election manifesto yesterday with pledges to cut crime, spend on education and get rid of Middlesbrough's cloth cap image.

The former head of Middlesbrough CID launched his bid to become the town's first elected mayor with a speech focusing on five key areas - and a swipe at the town's Labour-run council.

He said he was deeply concerned by the recent council tax increase in the town, including the 38 per cent police precept rise.

"Under the current administration, local people have repeatedly been hit by excessive tax demands," he said.

"My rivals dismiss this with glib phrases like 'coppers for coppers'. In fact, these stealth taxes amount to hundreds of pounds a year, which cause real hardship to thousands of local people.

"I pledge that, as mayor, I will immediately order a top-to-bottom review of the way Middlesbrough is run. I want to ensure that every penny of public money is accounted for."

He also criticised the council for failing to spend on education.

"I regard it as shameful that the current administration has repeatedly failed to meet the Government's recommended spending targets on education.

"As mayor, I would guarantee that this council meets the Government's recommended Standard Spending Assessment on education."

As expected, the former detective superintendent promised to crack down on crime, with initiatives including community wardens, closed-circuit television and a rapid response hit squad.

"People should feel safe in their homes," he said. "They should be able to walk down the street without fearing they will be mugged."

And the man dubbed Robocop, whose zero tolerance policing brought him national recognition, promised to increase Middlesbrough's profile.

"For too long, this town has been depicted as a Northern backwater," he said. "I intend to change that. The cloth cap image will be consigned to the dustbin."

Finally, he promised to provide Middlesbrough with a major venue for theatre and concerts.

Labour candidate Councillor Sylvia Connolly launches her election bid today, with the help of Hartlepool MP Peter Mandelson.

Her manifesto will be unveiled at the Marske Machine Company, Middlesbrough, at 11am.