TWO nominations have been received for a by-election to be held in north Durham next month.

Stephen Barr has been named as the Labour Party candidate and Sean Kilkenny as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Pelton Fell ward of Chester-le-Street District Council.

Mr Barr, 56, who has lived in Pelton Fell for 30 years, worked as a general manager of leisure facilities at Newcastle City Council before taking early retirement to do voluntary work in the community.

He is the chairman of the Pelton Fell Regeneration sub-committee and has committed himself to developments planned in the ward.

Mr Kilkenny, 41, of Auckland, in Chester-le-Street, who has spina bifida, has lived in the district for the 15 years.

A former Labour supporter, he said he joined the Lib Dems following the 1992 elections when he became dismayed by the "negative campaigning styles" of the two main parties.

Mr Kilkenny said his main platform for election would be the regeneration of the area and to re-address the lack of adequate social housing.

The vacancy was created by the retirement of Councillor Isabel Howey.

The election will be held on Thursday, February 10.