A COUNCILLOR branded a sexist after publishing a light-hearted article paying tribute to the physical attributes of a number of female town hall workers, has been ordered to apologise by his council colleagues.

Tony Pelton edits The Clarion - a free newsheet he distributes himself around his ward in Catterick, North Yorkshire.

He found himself in hot water after an item, headlined Old Arms Out, New Legs In, offended three officials.

Mr Pelton claimed he was trying to pay a compliment in the article.

But letters were soon on their way from Councillors Lyn Miller and Yvonne Peacock demanding that Coun Pelton be hauled before Richmondshire District Council's standards committee.

Last night, the five-strong panel decided unanimously that he had brought the authority into disrepute and should apologise in writing to the three officers involved.

A more serious allegation, of breaching the councillors' national code of conduct, was found not to have been proven.

Coun Pelton - who chose not to attend last night's hearing - will have until February to adhere to the ruling, and could face further action should he refuse.