A LIBRARIAN whose career ranged from his teens until the eve of his retirement has died at the age of 79.

Stan Dean was a senior figure in local government across the North-East for a quarter of a century following his arrival in the region in 1966.

Mr Dean was born in Sheffield. He worked in Derby and Lincolnshire and also served as Education Corps sergeant during his National Service, in charge of books. In Japan, he was librarian of the Army's Far East Command library.

His first job in the North-East was as deputy director of libraries and museums for West Hartlepool Borough Council.

He only worked there for a year before he was appointed director of libraries and museums in Darlington.

Having come to the town, he made Darlington his home for the rest of his life. He worked as director for seven years, before he became deputy county librarian with Durham County Council in 1974, being promoted to county librarian in 1977.

He retired from local government in 1991 at the age of 59. He worked for another five years as a business advisor with Darlington Business Venture before taking full retirement.

He remained heavily involved in public life in Darlington. He was involved with North Road Railway Museum - now the Head of Steam - being a member of the team which set it up before the council took overs running.

He was also a member of the Friends of the Museum.

He was also a committee member of the Friends of the Civic Theatre and served as a magistrate in Darlington and was co-founder of Scarsdale Books, a Darlington-based publishing company.

His son, John, said: "Throughout his career, he was known as an innovator, constantly expanding the services that libraries offer."

Mr Dean died on Sunday in Darlington Memorial Hospital following an illness. He is survived by his wife, Doreen, and two sons, John and David.

His funeral takes place next Wednesday, at 11.15am, at Darlington Crematorium.