A FORMER rugby union international has been elected as the new chairman of the North-East's largest council.

Eddie Bell, from Seaham, was named as chairman of Durham County Council at its annual meeting, held today [May 25].

The Deneside councillor, who represents the ward with wife Jennifer, is a former police sergeant awarded a Royal Humanist Society testimonial for saving the life of a drowning boy.

The 66-year-old is a keen sportsman and formerly played for Northern League and Wearside football teams, Durham City Rugby Club and for England against the rest of the world.

He has chosen to raise money for dementia charities in County Durham and the North East Disability Resource Centre, which supports people with cerebral palsy.

Cllr Bell praised the work of his predecessor Cllr Jan Blakey. He said: “She’s a bubbly blond with an infectious laugh and working with Jan you soon realise what a dedicated councillor and superb representative she has been in her year in office.

“If you had to pick a role model on which to learn and base the role of Chairman of Durham County Council, Jan Blakey would pass that test with flying colours."

Cllr Mike Dixon, who represents Aycliffe and North Middridge, was elected vice chairman.

Council leader Simon Henig also announced the cabinet, which will be unchanged from last year.

He said: “I have confidence in all my colleagues. All of them are leaders in their own areas.”

The cabinet is made up of Cllrs Alan Napier, the council’s deputy leader, Jane Brown, Neil Foster, Luvy Hovvels, Ossie Johnson, Maria Plews, Brian Stephens, Eddie Tomlinson and Joy Allen.

Appointments to the council’s other committees were also made, including for the children and young people’s overview and scrutiny group, which came under fire last week after it emerged that the service was judged as requiring improvement by Ofsted inspectors.

Opposition Liberal Democrat leader Amanda Hopgood called for the council to appoint Cllr Mamie Simmons as vice chairman of the committee following criticisms that scrutiny of the service had not been good enough.

She said: “We need to see that the council has not just heard the criticism loud and clear but acted on it.”

Her amendment was defeated by 78 votes to 12.

The council also paid tribute to Don McLure, who is retiring as corporate director of resources at the end of the month.

Mr McClure, who received a standing ovation, from councillors, joined Durham County Council in 2010.

He said: “This is a very proud moment for me. I would like to place on the record how very honoured I feel to be finishing my career with such a great authority.”