ONE of the most prominent figures in North-East local government is to retire next year.

Don Robson, 66, leader of Labour-run Durham County Council, will stand down at the next elections in May.

He said: "Local government has reached the end of an era and so, perhaps, have I.

"The Government's modernisation agenda is transforming the structure of local councils and the role of the people who serve on them.

"After 35 years as an elected member, there could not be a more appropriate time to stand down."

Councillor Robson, who represents the Leadgate and Medomsley ward, near Consett, said he was leaving the council "in good shape and in safe hands".

During his career he helped Durham County Cricket Club, of which he is president, to attain first class status, and masterminded the development of its Chester-le-Street stadium in the early 1990s.

He has also helped the county to attract new industries to replace mining and steelmaking, and spearheaded environmental improvements.

The council's deputy leader, Councillor Bob Pendlebury, said: "Don has been a great champion of County Durham.

"It is largely thanks to his vision and commitment - not to mention his contacts and influence at both regional and national level - that Durham has weathered the storms that have beset us in recent years, and has emerged in good shape with new opportunities, new jobs and new confidence."

The council's chief executive, Kingsley Smith, said: "No one has worked harder for County Durham than Don Robson.

"From homes for the elderly within his ward, which he visits regularly, to the corridors of power in Whitehall and Downing Street, his name is virtually synonymous with the county."