A STANLEY grandmother has made history by becoming the first female vice-chairman of Durham County Council.

Edna Hunter, who has represented Tanfield division since 1997, will serve in the post for two years and will move up to be the Labour- run authority's chairman.

She said: "To be made vice-chairman of the county council - and to be the first woman to hold the post - is a tremendous honour,"

"I only hope I was chosen because of my record as Edna Hunter, county councillor, and not because I am a woman."

The council's new chairman is Ernie Foster, of Kirk Merrington, near Spennymoor, who has represented Spennymoor since 1997. He takes over from Alan Fenwick, councillor for Dawdon.

Coun Foster said he bore a 'heavy responsibility' in taking on the role and would do everything he could to enhance the reputation of the council.

Coun Fenwick, who suffered a broken hip during his term of office, said: "I have always considered it a great privilege to be a county councillor and being chairman is an added privilege."