TOWNS in the North-East have been named as some of the best and worst in the country for pollution.

A report by the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions revealed the extent of pollution in the country.

Regional quality of life counts added up the number of days a year in which four main pollutants exceeded health standards.

Redcar, in Cleveland, was named as one of the worst offenders, with 59 smog-filled days. In contrast, Newcastle was named as one of the cleanest places, with only 16 polluted days.

A Friends of the Earth spokesman said: "This report shows that Britain has got a problem with smog which is not going to go away. The only way of solving it is to cut the amount of traffic."