EXPERIENCED councillors and enthusiastic newcomers hoping to make their mark in politics came out trumps in the town and parish elections.

Spennymoor Leisure Centre bustled with excitement as votes were counted and announced for the 47 contested wards in County Durham.

And no-one was more excited than 18-year-old Daniel Summers and Thomas Twissell, from Newton Aycliffe, who were voted in as Labour councillors for the West Ward of Great Aycliffe parish.

Friends, neighbours and classmates, the former Woodham Academy pupils share a passion for politics and are keen to make a positive difference to their community.

Councillor Twissell, who is studying games development at Darlington College, said: “I became interested in politics during the 2010 general elections.

“I want to help the community by engaging with other young people and let them know their opinions count.”

Coun Summers, meanwhile, hopes to forge a career in politics and intends to stand for the county council elections in four years time.

“I think it is crucial for young people to get involved in politics,” he said. “Older people have a lot of experience, but younger people can bring new approaches and fresh ideas that are equally valuable.”

The pair’s enthusiasm was echoed by 23-year-old Adam Julio Zair who was elected as a councillor for the Bishop Auckland Town ward.

A member of the Wear Valley Independent Group, Coun Zair follows in the footsteps of his parents, Coun Sam Zair, who was also elected for the Bishop Auckland Town ward, and Coun Lesley Zair, who secured the most votes in the Cockton Hill ward.

“I am over the moon, especially as I will be serving on the town council alongside my mum and dad,” said Coun Adam Zair.

“They are such an inspiration and I have learned so much from them.”

Coun Sam Zair, who retained his seat in Durham County Council yesterday, said: “Lesley and I are so proud of Adam.

“I know he will learn a lot from everyone around the table in Bishop Auckland and I am sure he will make a fine councillor.”

As in the County elections, the Labour party had a successful day, retaining and gaining new seats across South Durham, including Spennymoor, Ferryhill, Trimdon Foundry, Tudhoe, Sedgefield and Bishop Auckland.

Independent candidates also did well, particularly in Ferryhill and Sedgefield.

Newcomer Chris Lines secured 1,016 votes in the hotly contested Sedgefield parish – almost twice the number received by the other individual winners.

Turnout for voting was about average, ranging from 16.5 per cent in Bishop Auckland’s Woodhouse Close ward to 55.7 per cent in the Rookhope ward of Stanhope.