AS the Labour Party's spring conference puts the political spotlight on the North-East, it is a time for members to look ahead to the forthcoming election and a potential third term in power.

But it is also an opportunity to take a look back at the dedicated service of one of the region's longest-serving Labour MPs who has decided to stand down after 26 years in Parliament.

Derek Foster could hardly have chosen a worse day to announce his resignation, overshadowed as it was by the announcement of Prince Charles' wedding to Camilla Parker Bowles.

But the Bishop Auckland MP has been a loyal and committed servant to his constituents and his departure from Westminster deserves to be properly acknowledged.

In all our dealings with him he has been a gentleman and we hope his successor will be of his equal.

Mr Foster could have carried on but, at 67, he was honest enough to admit that it could not be at the same pace he had set himself for so long.

And honest politicians aren't always easy to find.