Members of a parish council serving neighbouring villages have waived their right to expenses or allowances.

In keeping with their previous stance, the chairman and members of Pittington and Littletown Parish Council, near Durham, agreed to forego any form of remuneration.

Under regulations introduced on May 1, parish councillors can claim expenses and there is a chairman's allowance available.

But parish chairman Bill Kellett said they took the decision not to make any form of claim for either expenses or the allowance.

"We're not in this to make any money. We're doing it for the good of the community," said Councillor Kellett.

He added that some neighbouring parishes are understood to have followed the same course.