A FORMER council chief and the oldest member of the mayor's bodyguard have joined the Durham City Guild of Freemen.

The guild dates back hundreds of years, to the time when craftsmen and traders, including masons, joiners and cordwainers, ran the city's affairs.

Although the elected city council took over the reins in the 19th Century, the Freemen still hold four guild days each year and own land at The Sands.

Ten men were nominated to become members because of their services to the guild, with eight others whose fathers were guild members or who married the daughters of guild members.

Carl Firmin, of Spennymoor, was chief executive of the city council for 12 years before retiring in 1997.

Norman Donkin 82, of Redhills, Durham, is the oldest member of the mayor's bodyguard. He recently received the MBE.

Guild chairman Tom Heron said: "It is within the Durham City Council Act of 1985 that we can appoint those people who have given service to the guild."

Mr Donkin said: "It is wonderful. I was born and bred here. I don't feel worthy of this honour."

Mr Firmin said: "It is wonderful to be admitted to the Freemen."

The other new Freemen are: George Pickering of Durham; Jamie Clark of Hetton-le-Hole; George Cooper of Hetton-le-Hole; Andrew Elliott of Carrville; Graeme Elliott of North End; Alan Ford of Coxhoe; Malcolm Milbourne of Durham; and Andrew Vasey of Lanchester