MAGISTRATE James Wayman retired this week after 29 years service.
Mr Wayman, 70, became a magistrate in 1974 when a new bench was formed for the Sedgefield Petty Sessional Division (PSD).
In almost three decades' service, he has been a member of the County Probation Committee, served on the Durham Police Authority, was deputy chairman of the Juvenile Panel and chairman of the Family Panel.
He was also the last chairman of Sedgefield PSD before it became one bench in South Durham.
Mr Wayman had to stand down when he turned 70, but he can sit at Crown Court for two more years.
He said: "I shall miss the daily court work.
"I hope over the years I've been very fair and I've been just.
"I would encourage anyone that has the time and wishes to do any community work to become a magistrate because it's a very worthwhile job."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article