A COUNCILLOR has clinched a national award for communicating through new technology.

David Harrington, Stockton Borough Council's cabinet cember for corporate management and finance, has won the Online Councillor of the Year Award.

It was announced at the Local Government Information Unit and CCLA Achievement Awards in London.

Coun Harrington regularly uses Facebook and Twitter to communicate with residents and also offers Skype surgeries for anyone who finds it difficult to reach his ward surgeries.

He said: "I'm committed to doing all I can to represent our residents and tackle any issues they may have and these new technologies really help with that.

"It means that I can talk to residents at a time which suits them which is giving more people the opportunity to let me know about their thoughts, issues and concerns."

The award aims to celebrate a councillor who has embraced new technologies and used them positively to communicate with communities.