A WOMAN who helped to fight for the regeneration of a Darlington housing estate has stepped down from her post as chairwoman of a community group.

Joyce Standing has been chairwoman of the Skerne Park Residents' Association for more than 16 years.

She was one of the first people to set up the group, along with ward councillor Hannah Straiton, in response to residents' concerns about the estate.

The pensioner, who was jointly named Darlington Citizen of the Year in 1996, has been fundamental in helping to raise money to renovate all the houses on the estate.

She said: "I always said that when the last houses got done that would be the time I would step down.

"They are busy working on the last couple of houses now. There have been a lot of changes in Skerne Park over the years and we have had a lot of support from various organisations, including the council and the police, over the years.

She said: "I am not sad to leave because I will still be involved with the community centre where I am secretary."

Mrs Standing, who is a school governor at Skerne Park Junior School, said the association had helped to set up an action group, community caf, neighbourhood house, overseen funding for house renovations and raised concerns about crime with the police.

She said: "Skerne Park has never been a really bad estate. We did have a problem with drugs but we worked with the police and one day they took seven dealers off the estate and they all went down."

Darlington Citizen of the Year Michael Nicholson will take over as chairman.