THE former leader of Durham County Council is among 12 former councillors to be honoured for their long service.

Don Robson, who was the council's Labour leader for a decade, retired at the elections in June, after 20 years' service and nine years on the previous county council.

The council is to give him the title of honorary alderman in recognition of his contribution to its work over the years.

Honorary aldermen can take part in some civic ceremonies, but do not have the right to attend council meetings or receive allowances.

A council spokesman said: "It is an honorary role and we are making the awards in recognition of councillors' long service. The honours will presented at a ceremony"

Between them, the ex-councillors, most of whom stood down in June, have hundreds of years service to the council.

Two Independents are among the other recipients Derek Armstrong, Horden, who served for 22 years, and John Armstrong, Evenwood, who served 28 years on the current council and ten with its predecessor

The rest are Labour members - Derek Bates, Pelton, 28 years with the council and six with its predecessor; Len James, Craghead and South Moor, 26 years; Jim Mackintosh, Gilesgate, 28 years with the council and four with its predecessor; Ron Morrissey, Sherburn, 20 years; Pat Nolan, Belmont, 12 years; John Richardson, Willington, 24 years' service and four with the previous council; Allan Thompson, Coxhoe, 28 years; John T Thompson, Annfield Plain, 28 years; Joe Walker, Burnopfield and Dipton, 16 years.