ONE of Darlington's most devoted public servants has been honoured with a new road named after him.

The new spine road, which runs through the Morton Palms business park in Darlington, has been named Alderman Best Way, after Alfred Jonathan Best, who was alderman in the town for 30 years.

The name was chosen after readers of The Northern Echo and the Darlington and Stockton Times nominated people who have achieved great things in the Tees Valley area.

The winning nomination came from David Scarr, of Darlington, who was married to Mr Best's granddaughter for 36 years.

Mr Best, who was known for his work to improve public health and was awarded an OBE in 1960, also held the position of mayor from 1925 to 1926.

He was known as the father of Darlington town council after serving in local government for 50 years following his election to the Harrowgate Hill ward on March 31, 1915, until his death, aged 85, in 1965.

An honorary freeman of the borough, Mr Best lived much of his life in the town and had a long association with several organisations