A BOOK commemorating the demise of a North-East district council was launched yesterday. (wed) Derwentside District Council spent £20,000 on the glossy hardback book about the authority and the area’s history.

The Derwentside Story has been written by former politician and author Chris Foote Wood over the past six months.

He said: "People will find a complete history of Derwentside, not only from 1974 to 2009 but also previous history from Roman times, the German sword makers and so forth.

"It is a comprehensive history, it not extensive but it will give people a good idea how Derwentside came about and what has happened over the last 35 years.

"It will appeal to anyone who has been involved in the district.

"In the reference section we have photographs of all of the areas of Derwentside."

Derwentside District Council will cease to exist after March 31 when seven district councils will be taken over Durham County Council.

Council leader Councillor Alex Watson said: "This tells some of the story about how we have faced economic disaster in the eighties and how we become a flagship authority with beacon status.

"Every area is identified within the book because every area has played a significant contribution to get us where we are today.

"It is about some of the people who have played a significant role in coming here to live."

The book costs £10 until March 31 and £18.50 afterwards.

People can order copies by ringing the council offices on 01207-218000 or Mr Foote Wood on 01388-605181.