TRIBUTES have been paid to a council stalwart who became Darlington's first honorary alderman.

Former Darlington council leader James Skinner MBE, who served as a Labour councillor for 41 years and helped to establish comprehensive education in the borough, died on Tuesday, aged 88.

Alderman Skinner - known as Jim - was originally from East Anglia and came to Darlington after serving in the Army during the Second World War.

A former mayor, he served on Darlington council's education committee, helping establish the town's comprehensive education system.

His public service was recognised with an MBE in 1982.

When he stood down after 41 years as ward member for Eastbourne South, the borough bestowed upon him the title of honorary alderman - the first time this honour had been given. To date, only two others - Clifford Hutchinson and Sheila Brown - have received the title.

Last night, friends and colleagues paid tribute to the "towering local political figure of his generation in Darlington".

Ada Burns, the council's chief executive, said: "Alderman Skinner made an important contribution to Darlington during his time as a councillor. Our condolences go to his family."

Council leader John Williams said: "Our deepest sympathy goes out to Jim's family for their loss.

Jim was the towering local political figure of his generation in Darlington and his achievements were many, particularly in the field of education."

Conservative leader Heather Scott said: "He was a highly respected councillor. He led the council for many years and was a very conscientious councillor. I would like to send my deepest sympathy to his family."

Councillors Bill Dixon and Roderick Francis, who both served in the Eastbourne area alongside Alderman Skinner, also paid tribute.

Coun Francis, who served Eastbourne South and is now ward councillor for Eastbourne, said: "I was his running mate for four years. He was a colleague and a good friend. He did a lot of good work for Eastbourne and for Darlington.

"He was a very good, very hardworking councillor and a good man."

Coun Dixon, who was ward councillor for Eastbourne South with Alderman Skinner in the Seventies and now serves Eastbourne, said: "Jim was one of the most decent, hard-working politicians the town has ever seen. He revolutionised education in this town.

"He was a lovely guy. I don't think we will ever see his like again in politics and for that, the town is much poorer."

Alderman Skinner leaves son Christopher and sisters-in-law Joyce and Kathy.