BUSINESSMAN Brian Hall is Sedgefield Borough Council's new member for Middridge.
Councillor Hall, 66, who will represent the Labour Party, was appointed unopposed.
He fills a vacancy left by Martyn Locklin, who was convicted of sex offences last year and was thrown off the council for not attending a meeting for six months.
Coun Hall was a parish councillor for 28 years and served on Great Aycliffe Town Council.
Now retired, 66-year-old Coun Hall had a fabric shop in Newton Aycliffe town centre for many years.
Married to Thelma, he has been the secretary of Horndale Social Club for the past two years and is relishing his new challenge.
He said: "I have been a councillor for a number of years and I believe I have the experience required. I have lived in Newton Aycliffe for 41 years and have watched the area grow to what it is today.
"I have built up a strong knowledge of the area and its people and know their needs. The people know me and I will ensure that I serve them to the best of my ability."
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