A NORTH-EAST MP took up her new Government post by returning to her old stamping ground at the weekend.

Hilary Armstrong, the North-West Durham MP and former Government Chief Whip, made her maiden speech as Social Exclusion Minister in her home city of Sunderland.

The daughter of veteran County Durham MP Ernie Armstrong, who has herself been an MP for the past 19 years, was appointed to the newly-created cabinet position following Prime Minister Tony Blair's reshuffle after the local council elections.

Prior to making her keynote speech, she visited a sports centre in Southwick, Sunderland, to see some of the projects offered to youngsters.

She moved on to the Stadium of Light, less than a mile down the road, to address assembled members of the Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR) North.

Ms Armstrong set out her priorities in attempting to tackle social exclusion as being: "Prevention is better than cure."

She spoke of her priorities in helping people to realise and take up opportunities available to them, and the dangers of "leaving vulnerable people behind".

Accepting that it would be no easy task, she said: "The Prime Minister said this was a job made for me.

"Of course it is tough, but you don't enter politics if you want an easy life."

She told the IPPR members that while living standards have generally risen, "an invisible minority" has been left behind.

"There is a small group that needs attention, and that is what it is all about."

Ms Armstrong said she aims to publish an action plan, concentrating on prevention, by the autumn.