TWO women who had prominent roles in County Durham local government are to receive honours for their work.

Dr Linda Ebbatson, who was leader of Chester-le-Street District Council in its last years before it was replaced by the new county-wide unity authority, will receive the OBE for services to local government.

An MBE for services to the community will go to Alderman Edna Hunter, former Durham County councillor for the Tanfield area, near Stanley, who was the pre-unitary council’s first chairwoman.