BARNARD Castle Town Council has honoured a retiring councillor who has given 46 years service.

Members at a meeting this week called for Alan Wilkinson to be made an honorary alderman and for the council to explore the idea of having a street named after him in the town.

Mr Wilkinson, 80, was elected to the then Barnard Castle Urban District Council in 1961 and was a member until it was disbanded in 1974.

He then became a councillor on the Barnard Castle Town Council, where he remained until his retirement last week.

He was chairman of the Urban District Council in 1967 and was town mayor four times.

Town clerk Geoff Bosworth praised Mr Wilkinson for his work in the transformation of Witham Hall and his knowledge of planning and historical matters in Barnard Castle.

He was also responsible for the introduction of mini golf to Scar Top and designed the nine holes himself.

Mr Bosworth said: "He has always been extremely supportive of all the work carried out in the council's office, has often acted far beyond the call of duty, and has challenged, when necessary, while always remaining fair and objective."

Mr Wilkinson thanked the councillors for their support.

He said: "All the meetings and committees we've had together, you've made tolerable at the very worst and enjoyable and rewarding at the very best."

John Blissett has been elected as mayor of Barnard Castle, replacing Councillor Margaret Hamilton.