GATESHEAD Council is looking for a member of the public to help its councillors maintain high standards of conduct.

In 1999 the council established a standards committee to ensure that local people had confidence in the way it, and the 66 councillors who represent people across the borough, work.

The independently-chaired committee is responsible for seeing that a high standard of conduct is maintained and for advising councillors on standards issues.

The committee is chaired by Richard Bell, director of regeneration in the Government Office of the North East until his retirement in 1995.

The council is now looking for a second independent member to sit on the committee.

For details call Graeme Hunter, on 0191-433 2027, or Jonathan Rew, on 0191-433 2120, at Gateshead Council.