Arnold Makepeace, who earned ten shillings (50p) a week when he started work down a coal mine at the age of 16, is to be honoured for his services to the public tomorrow.

Now 80, Mr Makepeace is to be made an honorary alderman of Teesdale, and become the seventh person to receive the accolade, at a ceremony in Barnard Castle.

A series of tributes will be paid before he receives a scroll from Teesdale District Council, of which he was chairman in 1984.

Mr Makepeace, who lives with his wife, Gwen, in The Fallows, Cockfield, was a member of the district council for 31 years. He also served on Cockfield Parish Council for 38 years before he retired from both offices two months ago.

He worked in the mines for more than 20 years, first manning a water pump then leading pit ponies, before moving on to hewing coal.

He was earning about £12 a week by the time he left the pits in the 1960s.

He became an official of the National Union of Mineworkers to try to improve the pay and conditions of his workmates.

Yesterday, Mr Makepeace said: "Life was pretty tough in the pits and the pay was poor, so I did my best to try to improve things. Then as a councillor I did all I could to assist Teesdale people generally.

"I am delighted that my efforts are now to be rewarded in this way. I will be really proud to become an honorary alderman."

After he left the mines he became an education welfare officer for Durham County Council, and had a reputation for always being sympathetic to families in difficulties.

He and his wife have a son, three grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

The ceremony will be in the council chamber at 2pm tomorrow.