POLICE chief Ray Mallon last night launched a new career - as an after-dinner speaker.

Detective Superintendent Mallon, who was recently cleared of all criminal wrongdoing by the Operation Lancet inquiry, was the speaker at a charity event in aid of the Butterwick Children's Hospice.

The £20-a-head event, which was held in the Hall Garth Hotel and Country Club, near Darlington, was aimed at raising money for the hospice in Det Supt Mallon's hometown of Stockton.

It was the first time that the Zero Tolerance supporter has spoken in public since a tense press conference shortly after the findings of the Lancet probe were announced.

Dept Supt Mallon had been prevented from speaking in public following his suspension from duty in December 1997.

But he gave and took questions at a gourmet dinner last night, which could raise up to £4,000 for the hospice

The venue and food were provided free of charge and staff donated their services for the evening.

Det Supt Mallon, who remains suspended from duty, recently toured the region's only children's hospice, which is based at North Tees Hospital.

During his visit, he met patients and staff to discuss future fundraising opportunities.

Afterwards, he said: "I thought, like most people, that hospices were dark and hopeless places, full of dying people.

"But the people here really overwhelmed me with their spark and love of life. They are full of energy and put me to shame when I think about what I worry and complain about.''