A MIDDLESBROUGH man has thanked everyone who supported their home town in a national competition.

Historian Araf Chohan, of Grange Road, Middlesbrough, put the town forward in the competition launched by BBC Breakfast TV.

It called on viewers living in towns or cities that suffered from an image problem to act as advocates for their town.

Mr Chohan, 53, who has written a book about Middlesbrough, impressed programme makers with his portrayal of the town.

A crew then visited the area, filming points of interest along with Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon and footballer Emanuel Pogatetz.

Viewers were then asked to choose a deserving winner from five shortlisted towns.

Middlesbrough failed to secure the top spot, however, losing out to Wolverhampton, in the West Midlands.

Mr Chohan said: "We got down to the last five, so that is something. I think our presentation was the best.

"The mayor has thanked me for my efforts in promoting the town and he was very pleased and grateful for what I was trying to do."