COUNCILLOR Bruce Burn, who has taken over as leader of the District of Easington Council, is a retired education welfare officer.

Coun Burn, who has a wife, Margaret, and a son and daughter, lives in Seaham.

He joined the district council six years ago and represents the North Ward of Seaham.

He has also served on Seaham Town Council for 16 years and is chairman of its finance committee.

Coun Burn is the chairman of governors at Princess Road Junior School and is on the committees of Seaham Youth Club and Easington and District Citizens Advice Bureau.

He has also adopted Macmillan Cancer Relief as his chosen charity.