TRIBUTES have been paid to the deputy leader of Durham County Council who died suddenly at home on Monday, aged 71.

Councillor Don Ross, right, from Bearpark, near Durham City, had been a member of the Labour-run council since 1987, representing the Framwellgate Moor electoral division.

As well as being deputy leader of the region's largest local authority, he was involved with many organisations.

He was a member of the Newcastle International Airport local authority holding company, a director of the County Durham Development Company, a member of the North-East Regional Assembly and of the Association of North-East Councils.

Coun Ross also served on the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Authority and was a member of the Durham City Travel Study Implementation Group, County Durham Environmental Trust, and the Local Agenda 21 Roundtable. Council leader Ken Manton said County Durham had lost "a tremendous politician, councillor and local community leader".

"He will be sorely missed by the Labour Party, his colleagues on the county council and the community he actively represented and served," he said.

Leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition group, Councillor Nigel Martin, said he and his colleagues were shocked and deeply saddened by the news and that Councillor Ross would be missed.

Council chief executive Mark Lloyd said Coun Ross made a significant and lasting contribution to the authority's guiding principle - to make County Durham the best place in which to live, work and bring up a family.

"There are many individuals and organisations in the county who have cause to be grateful for his energies and enthusiasm," he said.

Association of North-East Councils chairman, Councillor Mick Henry, said: "We have lost a well-respected friend and colleague in Don, whose contribution to local government cannot be overstated.

"He was regarded very much as a people person and was, without doubt, a strong advocate for local authorities and the communities they serve.

"His commitment, enthusiasm and passion for politics and vision for improving quality of life in the North-East, will be remembered fondly and respectfully.''