Chester-le-Street's council leader performed his last engagement before retirement when he opened a new play area.

Coun Malcolm Pratt opened the new crche and play area at Chester-le-Street Leisure Centre.

It was his last engagement before finally standing down from the district council, on which he has served for more than three decades.

Coun Pratt has served as a Labour member for the Chester-le-Street North ward since 1971.

His first three years were on the old urban district council and since 1974 on the successor district council. He spent the last 12 as council leader.

Coun Pratt has juggled his civic demands while running a freelance sports press agency.

During his term at the helm at the Civic Centre, he has overseen the transformation of Chester-le-Street's Riverside and been a key player in the development of Durham County Cricket Club's new home.

Speaking at the opening of the play area, Coun Pratt said he was both sad to be going but delighted with the new play area.

He said: "Opening the play area is particularly emotional for me, as it is my last public engagement before I stand down as leader of the council and as a councillor. It is fitting that it should concern a project that accommodates both the needs of parents and children."

The crche and play facility at the council-run leisure centre were built after consultation with parents and children by Chester-le-Street Sure Start.