Dudley South MP Ian Pearson says his decision to stand down at the next election is “a big wrench”.

The 50-year-old was visiting his constituency for the first time since announcing he would leave Westminster.

He patrolled with police in Wall Heath to see how work to cut anti-social behaviour was paying off.

The father-of-thre, who will vacate his role as economic secretary to the Treasury when he finishes, said : “For 15 years it has been a tremendous honour to represent the people of Dudley South.

“But I need to get a better balance between my working and personal life.”

Mr Pearson previously blamed the “enormous strain” of his job for the collapse of his marriage to wife Annette last April.

Plans to find a Labour candidate for the election, expected to take place on May 6, are under way.