A BY-ELECTION is to be held following the death, earlier this year, of Chester-le-Street district councillor Gordon Kerr.

Nomination papers for the vacancy in the Chester Central ward can be obtained from the council's returning officer.

Coun Kerr, who died in May, served as chairman of the council in 2004-5 and was regarded throughout the district as a highly-approachable member who cared a great deal for those he represented.

Council leader Councillor Linda Ebbatson, paying tribute to him, said: "Councillor Kerr was elected as member for Central Ward in 2003.

"He was a kind and courteous man and a conscientious, hard-working councillor.

"In the council, we knew Gordon in various roles, as chairman of scrutiny, a member of the housing board and as chairman of the council, our civic head.

"Gordon carried out that role with characteristic fairness and dignity. He will be missed by many, and in many ways."

Derek Briggs, chairman of the Central Residents' Association, also paid tribute: "When I took over as chairman of Central Residents' Association I was a total novice. I knew no one or how the district council worked. Gordon took time and care to teach me, and kept me on the right road.

"He was kind and honest to me. He explained to me who did what, and how the system worked. With his guidance and help, we now have a well respected and successful residents' association.

"We, as members, shall miss him very much at our meetings, for all his wonderful work and for standing up for what he believed was right."

The deadline for the return of completed nomination papers is noon, August 31. If the election is contested, a poll will take place on Thursday, September 27.

For inquiries, contact Colin Turnbull, democratic services officer, on 0191-387-2017.