A BY-ELECTION has been called to elect a new councillor to represent the Mowden Ward on Darlington Borough Council.

It follows the death in January of Coun Ron Lewis, 77, who had represented the ward for almost 27 years. 

Any by-election will be held alongside the European Parliamentary Elections on May 22.

Nomination papers are now available and prospective candidates have until 4pm on April 24 to submit them.

If there is more than one candidate, a poll will take place on May 22.

Anyone wishing to stand as a candidate can request nomination papers from the Head of Democratic and Customer Services at Darlington Borough Council, Town Hall, Feethams, Darlington, DL1 5QT or contact 01325 388351.