Sedgefield Town Council has appointed Councillor Jim Wayman as mayor, almost 20 years after he last held the office.

Coun Wayman, who is the longest serving council member, with 32 years of service, was mayor from 1983 to 1985.

He has been a school governor for 32 years at Hardwick Primary School and chairman for 17 years. He was a magistrate for 30 years and is now on the supplementary list.

He was the last chairman of the old Sedgefield Magistrates' Court, which sat in the Manor House before it moved to Newton Aycliffe.

Coun Wayman is on the executive of Sedgefield Community Association.

Councillor Maxine Robinson will be deputy mayor.

Her husband, Councillor John Robinson, was elected chairman of the policy and resources committee.

The chairman of the environment committee will be Councillor Ian Sutherland.