GATESHEAD Borough Council's former leader has been honoured by being given the freedom of the borough.

George Gill, who was a councillor for 29 years and its leader for almost 17 years, retired in May. The honorary freedom is in recognition of his work for the council and his "outstanding'' contribution to the borough's regeneration. Councillor Mick Henry, the current leader of the council, said: "Creating an honorary freeman of the borough is a rare event in Gateshead. In fact, there have only been 26 created since the borough was formed in 1835 and just three made since we became a metropolitan borough in 1974. It is an indication of the respect and esteem that we all have for George that he is being considered for this award." He added: "Much of what has been achieved, for instance in the transformation of the Quayside, the regeneration of Saltwell Park and the revitalisation of Derwenthaugh, has been down to George's pragmatism and drive as a leader.''

JOBS BOOST: Jobs have been created with the opening of three new carpet shops. Storey Carpets will employ 20 people to work in three new stores in Washington and Sunderland. The retailer also recently opened a shop in Consett.

SAMARITANS HELPED: The Samaritans of Central Durham raised £383.50 during a fundraising campaign on May 25. The group, based at Samaritan House, Sutton Street, Durham, thanked the public for their support.

ART ON SHOW: The Society for Disabled Artists will stage an exhibition of watercolours at Chester-le-Street Library from July 1. On the last day of the exhibition, Friday, July 12, there will be a raffle and cards and paintings will be for sale from midday.

TASTER DAY: Durham City Council, the Durham and Chester-le-Street Primary Care Trust and Age Concern Durham County are holding a healthy lifestyle taster day for the over-50s at Sherburn Leisure Centre, on Friday, from 10am to 3pm. Fifty places are available. They can be booked by calling Age Concern on 0191-386 3856.

GLAZING ADVICE: Sunderland City Council is warning homeowners that new single or double glazing has to meet new energy-saving guidelines under building regulations introduced earlier this year. For information call 0191-553 1550 or 0191-553 1717.

COFFEE DATE: Age Concern, in partnership with Durham Police community safety department, is holding a free coffee morning for information and advice at Attlee Square Communal Room, Sherburn Village, on July 3, from 10am to noon.

LANGLEY WALK: A three-mile circular walk following the Lanchester Valley Way from Langley Park will be held on Sunday as part of the Footsteps to Fitness programme by the Durham and Chester-le-Street Lifestyle Initiative. The walk starts at 11am from Rutherford House GP surgery car park behind Church Street.