The "no" vote in the postal ballot referendum was 6,239 against 5,351 backing the proposal.

Turnout was just under 31%.

But the Yes campaign has complained to the police about a leaflet distributed by the No group, which it claims was illegal.

So far 12 areas, including Greater London, have voted to have elected mayors.

Elections take place on 17 October at Bedford, Hackney, Mansfield and Stoke-on-Trent.

In May this year Hartlepool football team's mascot H'Angus the Monkey, also known as Stuart Drummond, was elected mayor of Hartlepool.