A RETIRING MP has welcomed Labour's use of all-women shortlists to increase female representation in the House of Commons.

Derek Foster, 69, who has represented Bishop Auckland in County Durham since 1979, decided to make way for someone younger. His possible successor, Helen Goodman, was chosen from an all-women shortlist, which has proved controversial in some constituencies.

Mr Foster described it as a "great thing" and said Labour was having more success in boosting the number of women MPs than other parties.

However, he said: "There is some reluctance among politicians and people in the party to go along with it. It is the only way we are going to achieve equality in the forum of the nation and we can't really go against it."

Mr Foster, who has been the county's longest-serving MP, was presented with a limited edition print of Durham City from Durham County Council chief executive Kingsley Smith in thanks for his work for the county and its residents.

"He has been a superb representative of his local constituency. Sometimes these things go unsung," said Mr Smith.

Council leader Ken Manton said Mr Foster had helped its efforts to bring new jobs to the region and in arguing its case with the Government when it felt its grant funding was unfair.

Mr Foster said pharmaceutical company Glaxo's injection of £750,000 into the Teesdale Business Agency, following the shedding of 400 jobs at its Barnard Castle plant, led to the creation of more than 300 jobs in high-tech companies, over 18 months.

He also said that he was proud to have helped establish a fellowship of brass music studies at Durham University.

Mr Foster praised the county council's role in economic development and improvements to the environment.

"If I wanted to get anything done, I could come and see these people," he said.