A NEWLY-elected Labour MP paid tribute to her famous predecessor yesterday during her maiden speech in the House of Commons.

Redcar MP Vera Baird praised her former Northern Ireland Secretary Mo Mowlam during a debate on the Export Control Bill, which would restrict arms sales.

She said: ''I do know that Dr Marjorie Mowlam, my distinguished predecessor, has earned and will keep what can only be called the affectionate veneration of the people of Redcar.

"I suspect, too, she will long retain the admiration of this House.

"In Redcar, she has helped countless people. On the doorsteps, stories of Mo's good deeds were legion, and of how she did them, famously, always remembering an individual's name and treating them as a friend."

Labour's MP for Durham North, Kevan Jones, also used the debate on the Bill to make his maiden speech to the Hosue.

He thanked his constituents for electing him and promised to repay their trust.

He added: ''This long-awaited Bill gets the balance right while meeting the high ethical standards the public demand.''