A COUNCILLOR has resigned her seat on Darlington Borough Council following the death of her husband.

Susan Walker, a Liberal Democrat who represents the North Road Ward on the council, said she had struggled to combine a full-time job with meeting her council commitments since the death of her husband in 2002.

She said she had found it increasingly difficult to attend day-time meetings at the town hall.

A by-election is likely to be held in July. The two other councillors in the ward are Stephen Jones, Liberal Democrat, and Bill Holmes, Labour.

Mrs Walker's husband, Ken, represented the ward for 19 years until his death two years ago. She has held her seat for seven years.

She said that, despite resigning from the council, she will continue to support other Liberal Democrat councillors.

"I have worked in the ward for more than 20 years, first helping my husband and then as a councillor," she said.

"In this time I have gained a great affinity for the ward and made many friends. I want to continue the work started by Ken in the ward."