TWO of Durham's longest serving magistrates are to retire after nearly 50 years service between them.

Irene Lupton, from Belmont, and Kevin Storey, from Gilesgate, Durham, retire from the North Durham bench on Monday.

Mrs Lupton, a former teacher, served 27 years as a magistrate and during most of this time also served as a councillor on both Durham City and Belmont Parish councils.

Mr Storey, who worked as a postmaster before his retirement, has spent 20 years as a magistrate and was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for his work with the Post Office.

A retirement party was held for both magistrates at the Mount Oswald Golf Course, in Durham this week.

Chairman of the bench, Mac Williams, said: "They were excellent magistrates, well-versed in the law, and they will be missed by their colleagues.

"Between them they have given probably 100 years in service to the community through their various roles and I cannot recall any duo who have served on the bench with this record.