A NEW book by a former councillor charts the life and times of two communities in Derwentside.

My Ward? My Word! was written by Joe Walker, a former chairman of Durham County Council, and looks at Burnopfield and Dipton, which he represented for 16 years.

Published by County Durham Books, the publishing arm of the council's arts, libraries and museums department, it contains thoughts and memories of the people he has met and the stories they told.

Mr Walker said his book was a journey back to when times were "hard, but kind".

Among his topics are the coal mining heritage of the area, Durham Light Infantry war heroes, cricket legend Colin Milburn, the Derwent Whippet Club and humorous tales from the community.

My Ward? My Word! costs £4.75 and is available from local libraries and bookshops