DARLINGTON councillors are to be called to account after failing to keep their pledge to attend at least five training sessions a year.

Every member of the unitary authority had to sign up to the minimum number at the start of 2002 - but six failed to meet their targets.

Peter Kearsley, borough solicitor, told a meeting of the council's standards committee: "You can't suspend or disqualify them as members, but there are ways of putting pressure on them."

Councillor Barbara Cooper pointed out that although there were daytime and evening courses, people who held other jobs could find the times difficult.

Councillor Isobel Hartley, former mayor, said some members had to travel to other parts of the country through their work and one councillor had been in hospital for several months.

She said she had found it quite difficult to attend training courses as well as undertaking mayoral duties.

It was agreed that the subject of non-attendance should be pointed out to the political groups on the council.

Letters are to be sent out asking individuals to say why they had not honoured their written undertaking.

A new series of training seminars starts next month.