DEREK Foster has been presented with a engraved glass plate to thank him for his services to Teesdale during his years as a Labour MP.

It was handed over by Robin Simpson, chairman of Teesdale District Council, during the authority's annual dinner, at which Mr Foster and his wife, Anne, were guests of honour.

Coun Simpson said Mr Foster had given a lot of valuable assistance to the Teesdale and had been liked and appreciated by supporters of all political parties.

He said that everyone was sorry that Mr Foster was not standing again at the General Election on May 5, but the hope now was that he would be elected to the House of Lords.

The plate, showing High Force waterfall and other Teesdale landmarks, was engraved by Lawrence Staley, from Mickleton.

Mr Foster told the guests at the function at Headlam Hall Hotel on Friday night that he had always enjoyed helping the dale as much as he could.

He said the plate would be put on display in a prominent position in his home.