Great Aycliffe Town Council leader Bob Fleming received a standing ovation after handing over the reins to his deputy after ten years as leader.

Although continuing as a council member, he is moving aside to concentrate on his new role as leader of Sedgefield Borough Council. At the council's annual meeting last week Alan Gray was named as the new leader, with Malcolm Iveson as his deputy.

Coun Gray paid tribute to his predecessor and conceded he had a hard act to follow. He said Coun Fleming had brought political stability, financial stability, common sense and level-headedness to the council.

Coun Iveson is also the new Mayor of Great Aycliffe and aims to use his year in office to benefit children with diabetes. He has chosen to raise money to buy insulin pumps for the children's unit at Bishop Auckland General Hospital.

Coun Maude Gray was named as deputy mayor. Outgoing mayor Michael Dalton, raised more than £2,500 for the Princess Royal Trust Sedgefield Locality Carers Centre during his year in office.

Tributes were paid to John Dormer, a former mayor, who stepped down from the council after more than 40 years. He is continuing as a member of Durham County Council. He thanked all the people he has worked with over the years.