A former miner who worked for 40 years on his local council after joining to help his fellow villagers has died.

Arnold Makepeace, who has died aged 82, first became a member of Cockfield Parish Council, before stepping up to Barnard Castle Rural District Council and then transferring to Teesdale District Council.

Before he stepped down three years ago, he was installed as an honorary alderman of the district, one of only a handful of councillors to receive the honour.

Councillor Ken Robinson, leader of Teesdale District Council, said yesterday: "Arnold was one of the most reliable and conscientious members who ever served on this council. He did an enormous amount of work for the people of the area."

After leaving the mines, Mr Makepeace became an education welfare officer, known as a "kiddie catcher", and was respected for his kind attitude to families.

Mr Makepeace leaves a son, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. His wife, Gwen, died nearly a year ago.

His funeral will be held at Cockfield Parish Church on Monday, at 10am.