A LEADING figure in the regeneration of a North-East city has died at the age of 72.

John Jennings spent more than three decades working in local government in Durham, during which time he was responsible for a number of major developments, including the construction of the city's Gala Theatre.

He was director of environmental services at Durham City Council and was project manager for the Durham Millennium Scheme, which saw the re-development of the Claypath area.

His wife, Rosie, said: “Although he was a Yorkshireman at heart, Durham was very much John’s adopted city. It was where we made our home.

"He loved the city and was immensely proud of the contribution he was able to make to its development.

“He was a tremendously popular man, a real character with an amazing zest for his life. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.”

Originally from Sheffield, Mr Jennings moved to the North-East in 1972, initially working for Durham County Council as a planning officer.

He joined the city council in 1974, rising to become director of environmental services.

He counted the successful completion of the Gala Theatre as one of the highlights of his career, and met the Queen when she formally opened the venue in 2002.

Mr Jennings took early retirement from the council in 2004 and set up planning consultancy, Maxted Cliff, where he worked on a number of major regeneration projects across the North of England.

Through his daughter Ellen, who was one of the company members, he became heavily involved with Liberdade, a social enterprise which empowers adults with learning difficulties through the creative arts.

He was chairman of the organisation and played a major role in helping it win funding to take over the running of Gosforth Civic Theatre in Newcastle as a home for the Liberdade Community Development Trust, providing a venue for its members to belong, work, and get involved in the arts and their community.

As a younger man, Mr Jennings was a keen sportsman, enjoying cycling, mountaineering and climbing. He also loved cooking, photography and travelling, especially to Bramall Lane to watch Sheffield United.

A celebration of his life will take place at Gosforth Civic Theatre on Friday from 2pm. All are welcome.