TRIBUTES have been paid to a community volunteer who is retiring after working tirelessly to regenerate a Darlington estate.
Ill health is forcing Bill Cook, 72, to step down from his many roles in Firthmoor, where he has lived for more than 40 years.
Mr Cook, who was named Darlington's Citizen of the Year in 2001, was the original chairman of Firthmoor Community Partnership Board.
He was chairman of Firthmoor residents' panel for many years, as well as secretary of Firthmoor and District Community Association.
Mr Cook has also been involved with Darlington Partnership, Darlington social services and the Labour Party.
Community worker Mark Fabb said Mr Cook had been instrumental in securing millions of pounds from the Government's single regeneration budget to transform Firthmoor.
Coun John Williams, leader of Darlington Borough Council, said: "Bill has been the pioneering, driving force behind the regeneration of Firthmoor."
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