A PROMINENT former councillor is taking early retirement from his post at the Darlington Branch of the Communication Workers Union (CWU).

Phil Graham, who was been a councillor at both county council and district level for more than 20 years until May this year, will leave his post as Branch Secretary and Regional Political Secretary on July 28.

Mr Graham, who serves the Coundon ward for Durham County Council, turns 55 in August, and his career with the CWU has spanned 34 years, from starting out as a postman in 1974.

"It has been an honour to serve and represent the Trade Union and Labour movements," he said. "Whilst I have been privileged to have met and befriended Prime Ministers, senior government ministers and leading trade unionists, I have never lost sight of the fundamental reason why I joined the union in the first place - which is to represent the membership.

"I count many postmen and women as personal friends and I wish them well for the future in our rapidly changing industry."

Mr Graham will now devote his time to his part-time business, FILMAR Photography, and his new folk rock band, Tri.

Brett Giroux, who, as assistant Branch Secretary, will take over Phil's role until elections are held at the end of the year, said, "Phil has been a tremendous asset to the union and its membership.

"He will be greatly missed and we wish him well for the future."