A FORMER cement worker is the first of a new breed of old-style workers looking after County Durham roads.

Kevin Graham turned down the chance of a well-paid job with his former employer, Lafarge UK, who ended production at its Eastgate plant last month, to stay on in Weardale and start a new career.

He has become the first of Durham County Council's new squad of lengthsmen, responsible for maintaining specific lengths of roads and public rights of way.

The original post disappeared under cutbacks 20 years ago, but has been reintroduced with a new title of "community highway worker" under a cost-sharing partnership between the council and Stanhope Parish Council.

Other town and parish councils are showing interest in the scheme, which is already proving successful in Stanhope.

Parish council vice-chairman Councillor Harry Irwin said: "There used to be a lengthsman in every village, so it will take years to put right the years of neglect, but Kevin is already making inroads. Our residents have a right to expect a clean environment and everybody will feel the full benefit in two or three years' time."

Kevin, 38, had joined the cement work's fish breeding farm as a school leaver, spending the next 20 years in a variety of roles, including weighbridge attendant, quarry driller, semi-skilled electrician and shot firer.

The county council's environment director, Chris Tunstall, said: "Having spent all his life in Upper Weardale, Kevin's vast knowledge of the area and its inhabitants is a real advantage.

"He will be our eyes and ears on the streets, responsible for carrying out some works himself, but in a position to report back to us other works which needed doing."