ONE of the longest serving directors of social services in the country has been honoured.

Peter Kemp was recently given an OBE for his services to the people of County Durham.

Mr Kemp, who lives in Darlington, is director of social services at Durham County Council. During his career, he was worked in London, Gateshead, Berkshire and Northamptonshire, before returning to the North-East in 1984.

Mr Kemp and his wife, Wendy, have three children, Timothy, Rupert and Charlotte. He said: "Although this honour has been conferred on me, it is equally a tribute to my staff who deliver very high quality services to the people of County Durham."