A ROOM has been dedicated to Darlington's Citizen of the Year.

The Kingfisher Room, part of Firthmoor Community Centre, will now be known as the Roddy Francis room.

He has also been made Honorary Chairman of Firthmoor & District Community Association.

A ceremony took place on Monday evening at the community centre.

Kevin Nicholson, chair of the association, said: "A truly remarkable man who continues to support, lead and inspire a community.

"Roddy has contributed so much time and effort over the decades; this dedication is a small token of thanks for an enormous debt of gratitude."

Mr Francis, a borough councillor since 1997, is also a former magistrate and Mayor of Darlington. He initially won the Vo lunteer of the Year at the Best of Darlington Awards, held in March, for his hard work in the Firthmoor.

Current Mayor Lee Vasey said: "He has been a councillor for a very long time - we've been colleagues since 1996 and have become good friends. He is just marvellous."