TRIBUTES have been paid to an experienced Darlington councillor who has decided not to stand in the forthcoming elections.

Former mayor Councillor Hannah Straiton, who represents the Park East ward on Darlington Borough Council will be replaced by a new candidate in the May council elections. She has served as a borough councillor since May 1979 and was Mayor of Darlington in 1997.

Coun Straiton and Councillor Pat Buttle made civic history in Darlington when they became the first mayor and deputy to be chosen from the same ward.

Chairwoman of Skerne Park Residents' Association, Joyce Standing, paid tribute to Coun Straiton.

She said: "Hannah Straiton has worked endlessly for this ward, in particular in Skerne Park."

Park East ward will see three new candidates: Joe Lyonette, Cyndi Beaver-Hughes and Glen Reynolds.