THE achievements of a local government expert who died aged 69 will be celebrated at a service tomorrow.

After serving as chief executive at Wear Valley District Council, in County Durham, Allen Dobson led a successful drive to regain county council status for the Rutland district.

Mr Dobson joined Wear Valley council as deputy treasurer in 1974, became treasurer and then served as chief executive between 1981 and 1992.

He worked as a consultant in local government reviews of Durham and Northumberland county councils, before he moved as chief executive to Rutland then to Corby, Northamptonshire, from where he retired in 1997.

Mr Dobson, from Crook, in Wear Valley, enjoyed spending time with his wife, Doris, daughter Jill Rodchester and sons Paul and Stephen, their partners, and his five grandchildren.

A Durham Rotary Club member and chairman, until last year, of Age Concern in County Durham, he was a leading figure in the University of the Third Age, starting groups in Wear Valley, Teesdale and Easington.

Friend John Richardson, Wear Valley District Council Labour leader during Mr Dobson's service, said: "He was one of the finest chief executive officers I have had the privilege to work with."

A private service at Durham Crematorium at 3pm will be followed by a public service at 3.50pm in St Catherine's Church, Crook. celebrating Mr Dobson's life. Friends and former colleagues are welcome.