THE deputy mayor of Darlington, Ken Walker, has died just a few months before he was set to become mayor.

Councillor Walker died on Thursday night after a long illness.

He was first elected to Darlington Borough Council in May 1983 and served the North Road ward as a Liberal Democrat alongside his wife, Sue.

Coun Walker was also a member of the council's social affairs and health scrutiny committee, the Darlington Transport Forum, the Darlington Environmental Forum and the Town Centre Forum.

Speaking yesterday, the leader of the council, John Williams, said: "I am deeply saddened at the news of Ken Walker's death.

"He was a dedicated councillor who was well-liked and respected by council officers and members alike.

"The people he represented benefited from his hard work, his honesty and his integrity. He will be missed.

"Our thoughts are with his wife, Sue, his family and his friends at this sad time."

Coun Walker was in line to take over from Mayor Doris Jones at the end of her term of office.

Tony Richmond, leader of the opposition on the council, said: "Ken had been ill for some time and it was distressing to see his health deteriorate, but it is a measure of the man he was that, throughout this time, he continued to work tirelessly, representing the residents of his ward.

"It is particularly sad that he has died a few months before he was to become Mayor of Darlington."