ONE of Germany's top honours was awarded to a North-East council leader - days before he dramatically lost his seat.

Brian Stephens learned he was to receive the equivalent of an OBE in recognition of his work to improve Anglo-German relations.

But days later, he was ousted from his leading role on Sedgefield Borough Council in one of the shocks of the local elections.

The Federal President, Jahannes Rau, awarded Mr Stephens the Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.

The Order of Merit is similar to the Honour's List, and the Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit ranks alongside the Order of the British Empire.

Mr Stephens, 62, has received the accolade in recognition of German-British relations, with particular emphasis put on the town-twinning he helped forge in 1990 between Sedgefield borough and Rheinhausen.

The German Ambassador, Thomas Matussek, told Mr Stephens: "I would like to congratulate you most warmly on this outstanding distinction.

"It recognises the outstanding services you have rendered to German-British relations."

Mr Stephens will have the honour bestowed upon him later this year at the Republic's London Embassy.

It is very rare for foreign nationals to be awarded the Order of Merit, more so if they do not live in Germany.

Mr Stephens said: "I am both honoured and privileged to receive this honour on behalf of the people of Sedgefield borough and my family.

"I was totally unaware of this and I feel extremely proud to have been chosen.

Long-time council leader Mr Stephens and Labour colleague Frank Timmiss lost their Thickley seats to independent candidates David Hancock and John Smith.