THE man tasked with following in the footsteps of Ray Mallon has unveiled his vision for Middlesbrough.

Newly elected mayor, Labour's Dave Budd, sealed victory after a marathon count on Friday, emerging victorious over his main rival, Independent candidate Andy Preston by just 256 votes.

Mr Budd, who replaces three-time mayor Mr Mallon, said inequality could be reduced "little-by-little, bit-by-bit" and told of his hopes of attracting new business to the area and improving the image of the industrial borough.

The former bank manager and lifelong Middlesbrough fan said the club's hopes of Premier League football next season could also help spread a positive message.

Mr Budd, who secured 19,358 votes to Mr Preston's 19,282 in what was a six-horse race, will appoint an all-Labour cabinet and will serve a four-year term.

He said: "There's nothing simple or quick but we've got to get on with it. It can sound a bit trite, but reducing inequality is at the heart of everything I'm going to do."

He mentioned the need to encourage investment in housing and health and said he supported the idea of a Tees Valley Combined Authority where resources could be shared across Teesside.

Urged to talk about practical measures that could improve the fortunes of the town, which according to comparative Office of National Statistics figures released last year has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, Mr Budd offered a number of measures.

He said: "As an ex-bank manager I have a horror of pay-day loan companies. We're working to create a community bank, a modern credit union, with a High Street presence, and we want more than one. Measures like that are not going to solve the problems of Middlesbrough, but they can be part of an overall strategy.

"We've been involved in going into schools and offering financial education. I will be challenging every councillor, of whatever party, to change and improve the place they represent little-by-little, bit-by-bit, one family at a time."

Mr Budd said he understood that more business investment was needed.

He said: "If I had a magic wand I would have 5,000 new, good jobs here. It's not easy to achieve, but we can attract jobs here. There's big success stories, especially in the Teesside process industry. I think with a combined authority and accessing European funding, we can help attract more business."

Before the election it was revealed that Cleveland Police had received three separate reports of electoral malpractice, including allegations that Mr Preston lived outside of Middlesbrough, but had given his mother's address on candidacy papers instead. Middlesbrough Council is awaiting the findings of the police.

Mr Budd, who will start his new job tomorrow (Monday), said he was simply concentrating on his new role.