He's been dubbed 'Robocop', forced to resign from the police force and been elected Mayor of Middlesbrough - now he is helping Morecambe's councillors clean up their area.

Ray Mallon first shot to prominence when he advocated American style ' zero-tolerance' policing while head of Middlesbrough's CID.

His most high-profile initiative was a clampdown on minor offences and encouraging officers to put known offenders under intense scrutiny.

He also courted controversy and was dogged by a long-running disciplinary probe before resigning to stand for mayor.

However, speaking to Independent councillors at Morecambe Town Hall on Monday, he revealed that compassion plays as big a part in his anti-crime policies as intervention.

"There is a place for hard-line punishment and deterrents, but there is also a place for compassion.

That is something I don't see enough of in society."

So, while zero-tolerance policing had a role to play, Mr Mallon was also keen to stress the work he has done in schools, attempting to prevent criminal habits being passed down through the generations.

He has made improving the local environment his top priority in attempting to squeeze '£400 million worth of priorities' into his £160 million budget.

And Mr Mallon, who first visited Morecambe for a water polo match at the outdoor pool on a cold day in 1970, also had words of praise for Lancaster City Council.

"What I like about this particular council is that you have a lot of people who are more interested in doing the very best for people than what they are for political parties.

"To a large extent, that is why political parties have had some problems in recent years, because some councillors have done what is right for a political party, not the people as a whole."

MBI councillors have pledged to follow Mallon's advice as they attempt to kick-start Morecambe regeneration.

This includes a forthcoming campaign against litter on the streets, as well as encouraging the development of the successful community wardens scheme.

Council leader Cllr Tricia Heath said: "We endorse Ray Mallon's sentiments and recognise that some issues, such as anti-social behaviour, cannot be dealt with by the police alone and require partnership with the local authority.

"Zero tolerance on litter, anti-social behaviour, vandalism and dog-fouling will continue to be a priority for the local Independent group."

Cabinet member for community services Cllr David Barker added: "We will set high standards so that Lancaster district will be acknowledged as a good example of best practice for a safe and clean environment for its citizens."