A SENIOR magistrate from the North-East has marked his retirement at a ceremony.
David Irwin, left, who was appointed as a JP shortly before the local government shake-up in 1974, has stepped down from his role.
Mr Irwin, who lives in Darlington, served as chairman of the local youth and family panels.
He was also chairman of the Darlington bench and became the first person at the helm of the South Durham bench, which was later formed by the amalgamation of the benches in Darlington, Sedgefield, Teesdale and Wear Valley.
At a ceremony last week at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court, Mr Irwin paid tribute to the dedication of court staff and thanked his friends in the legal system.
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