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

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

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

"I only hope I was chosen because of my record as Edna Hunter, county councillor, and not because I am a woman. It is up to me now to repay the confidence that my colleagues have show in me and to do my best for the county, the council and the people I represent."

Cabinet member Christine Smith said: "This is an historic occasion because as we all know we have never had a female who has held such a high office.

"Hopefully, she will go on to be the first female chairman of the council.''

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 from Dawdon.

Councillor 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.

Councillor Fenwick, who suffered a broken hip while on civic duties at a function in Playmouth, said: "These have been the happiest and most eventful years of my life."

All sides of the council paid tribute to his "great dignity'' and the way he carried on in his duties despite the accident.