TRIBUTES have been paid to a former chairman of the once powerful Cleveland County Council.

Derek Cooke also served as Stockton mayor in 1980/81 and was part of a famous political family: at various times three of his brothers served as Labour Party councillors while his nephew, Nigel Cooke, is currently a leading member of Stockton Borough Council.

Derek Cooke, who was 77, was a member of Stockton council from 1973 to 1990 and was made an Honorary Alderman in 2000.

He represented a number of wards including Newtown and the former wards of Mile House and Hardwick and chaired, many committees including the community development committee.

Perhaps his most important role was a chairman of the now defunct Cleveland County Council from 1982 to 1983.

Cllr Nigel Cook, whose own father, Jim Cooke, was also a senior councillor for many years, explained that his uncles Keith and Peter Cooke had also been Labour Party councillors at various times.

Derek was one of nine brothers and one sister borne to the late Jack and Lilian Cooke and Mr Cooke went on to marry Maria. The couple had one daughter, Lisa, and two grandchildren, Christy and Jack.

He was chairman of Stockton Labour Party for 20 years, during the 1960s and 1970s and as a young activist, was involved in campaigning against apartheid in South Africa, something he was passionate about.

Cllr Nigel Cooke said: "My own memories of him are very dear to me. Along with my dad, Derek was instrumental in motivating me to become a Labour activist. We spent many hours together in throughout the 70s, 8os and 90s campaigning on the doorstep and delivering newsletters."

Leader of Stockton council, Bob Cook, said: “Derek Cooke will be missed by all who knew him and his contribution to the Borough will be appreciated for many years to come.”