A POPULAR alderman and former deputy mayor has died, aged 83.

Ron Dickie was Deputy Mayor of Durham in 2008-09, but did not become Mayor the following year, as tradition dictated, because Durham City Council, of which he was a member, ceased to exist as Durham County Council became a unitary authority in April 2009.

Mr Dickie devoted many years to community service, representing Neville’s Cross as an independent city councillor for 26 years, serving on the management committee of St Cuthbert’s Hospice for 20 years and running youth groups and other organisations.

He was awarded an MBE for services to the community in Durham in 2010, picking up the honour at Buckingham Palace despite having suffered a broken hip in a fall at his home in Framwellgate Moor shortly beforehand.

Born in Bishop Auckland, Mr Dickie grew up in Durham and was assistant director of social services at South Tyneside Council at his retirement.

He died at St Cuthbert’s Hospice on Monday (February 23), following a long battle with cancer.

Mr Dickie is survived by Irene, his wife of 60 years; daughters Barbara and Julia; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

His funeral will be held at Durham Crematorium on Friday, March 6, at 2.30pm. His relatives have requested family flowers only. Donations, if desired, can be made to St Cuthbert’s Hospice.

A minute's silence in memory of Mr Dickie was held ahead of a full meeting of Durham County Council on Wednesday (February 25).