PARISH councillors at Aiskew have suggested that a new housing development should be named after a long-serving teacher.

The developer responsible for the nine houses in Sandhill Lane, opposite the entrance to Kingfisher Drive, has put forward Denham Close, Chestnut Close, Pipit Close or The Sycamores as possible names.

However, councillors have asked if the development can be named Pearson Close after Douglas Pearson, a teacher who died almost three years ago, aged 78.

Mr Pearson and his wife, Mary, lived for many years in a detached house beside the tree which marks the site of the new development.

Mr Pearson was a former teacher at Bedale and headmaster of Pickhill school. Councillors agreed that if the name Pearson Close was unacceptable, Chestnut Close would be their preferred choice.