THERE could not have been a sweeter moment to end one of the most difficult years in a former council chairman's career.

Councillor Wilf Dobinson proudly watched as his younger brother Peter made the bravest walk of his life across the floor of the council chamber in Crook.

Just a few months ago, Peter Dobinson, 43, who has Downs Syndrome, was sent home from hospital to die when surgeons gave up hope of operating on a large tumour at the back of his skull.

It was a bleak time for Coun Dobinson and his family as he struggled to cope with his official duties as chairman of Wear Valley District Council and fundraising for his chosen charities.

However, specialists at Middlesbrough General Hospital agreed to continue treatment in February, after Coun Dobinson and his brother's main carers, his sister Pauline and brother-in-law Trevor Medd, pleaded for him to be given a chance.

Mr Dobinson made such a rapid recovery that he was able to leave his wheelchair to accept a cheque from his brother on behalf of the day centre he attends.

Councillors and staff from Wear Valley Attenders Association applauded as Mr Dobinson accepted the £4,333 gift.

Coun Dobinson said: "Like many Downs Syndrome people, he has an inner strength that has pulled him through. This time last year he was given up for dead and they sent him home to die. But his will to live has amazed us all."

Ann Carrick, day service worker at the centre, said: "We didn't know until tonight that he could walk."

Other donations from the Wear Valley District Council Chairman's Charity were made. Dr Bill Lamb and staff nurse Janet Charlton collected £4,333 for the baby unit at Bishop Auckland General Hospital, while Dr George Holbrook, from North House Surgery, in Crook, accepted £2,000.