A CIVIC leader came face to face with an image of himself at a surprise presentation ceremony.

Darlington Mayor Councillor Ron Lewis was presented with a caricature to celebrate his time in office, at the town's 41 Club.

As a founder member of Darlington Bondgate 41 Club, Coun Lewis was presented with the portrait by national president Iain Kelso, who had travelled to Darlington to make the presentation.

The 41 Club has more than 22,000 members nationally and it is the first time the Darlington branch has been able to claim a mayor among its members.

"The club, with its active role around Darlington, offered me valuable training for the challenges I faced as mayor" said Coun Lewis.