A COUNCIL leader has received an OBE for his services to local government.

Alex Watson, leader of Derwentside District Council since 1990, was presented with his honour by the Queen at Buckingham Place on Wednesday.

The 64-year-old grandfather, from Consett, County Durham, is also the chairman of the North-East Regional Assembly and former chairman of the English Regions Network.

Councillor Watson said: "The Queen and I talked about the closure of the steelworks and the mines and the recovery of the local economy. She was very interested and had obviously done her homework.

"It was a tremendous honour to receive and, of course, I didn't expect anything like this when I became a councillor. I just wanted to do something to improve the local area."

Coun Watson entered local politics when he was 37.

He said: "Consett was struggling back then and I wanted to help shape a new, brighter future for the district.

"The mines were closing and the steel works were fighting for survival. It became very clear that we had to look to a new, changed future for Derwentside, one that didn't rely on the traditional industries to feed our families.

"Derwentside has it all - beautiful countryside, fresh air, low pollution, good-quality housing and friendly, close-knit communities. I am so proud to play a role in its future."