A COUNCIL leader perform-ed his last engagement before retirement from the post when he opened a new play area.

Councillor Malcolm Pratt opened the new creche and play area at Chester-le-Street Leisure Centre on Tuesday.

It was his last engagement before finally standing down from Chester-le-Street District Council, on which he has served more than three decades.

Coun Pratt has served as a Labour member for the Ches-ter-le-Street North ward since 1971, the first three years on the old urban district council and since 1974 on the successor district council. He spent the past 12 years on the council as its leader.

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

During his term at the helm, he has also overseen the transformation of Ches-ter-le-Street's Riverside, including the development of Durham County Cricket Club's new home.

Speaking at the opening of the play area, Coun Pratt 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."

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