A FORMER east Durham pitman is the new chairman of Durham County Council.

Father-of-seven Alan Fenwick, 72, from Seaham, will perform the ceremonial role for the next two years. He takes over from Charlie Magee, councillor for Ferryhill, after spending last two years as vice-chairman.

Councillor Fenwick was born in Seaham and went to work at Dawdon Colliery when he left school at 14. He was made redundant in 1986.

He has represented Dawdon since 1985 and has been on Seaham Town Council since 1983 - where he is deputy leader.

He also served as chairman and vice-chairman of the council's social services committee.

The new council vice-chairman is Councillor Ernie Foster, 64, of Kirk Merrington, Spennymoor, a former miner who was on the Durham Area Executive of the National Union of Mineworkers.

Coun Foster was elected to Durham County Council in 1997 as member for Spennymoor, having served as the Mayor of Spennymoor Town Council in 1990/91.

Ken Manton, who represents Sedgefield, has been re-elected as the Labour leader of the council and Don Ross, of Framwellgate Moor in Durham City, will continue to be his deputy.

Coxhoe member Dennis Morgan and Brian Myers, Willington, will replace Alan Cox, Blackhalls, and Alan Barker, Easington, in the council's ruling cabinet.