A PLAQUE in honour of a planning officer who was murdered has been rededicated on the 20th anniversary of his death.

Lisa Foster yesterday unveiled the memorial to her uncle, Harry Collinson, who was killed by Albert Dryden over a planning row.

It has been moved from Consett Civic Centre, which is being demolished to make way for an academy school, to County Hall in Durham.

Mrs Foster, a farmer from Stocksfield, Northumberland, said: “I am so proud that people have turned out today to remember him.

“He was such a sweet man and one of life’s genuinely nice people.

“I feel honoured that uncle Harry meant so much to people.”

Mr Collinson, 46, who lived in Durham City, was enforcing the demolition of an illegally built bungalow at Butsfield, near Consett, County Durham.

Dryden, 51, drew a First World War revolver on the principal planning officer and shot him twice.

Neil Johnson, who was chief executive of Derwentside District Council at the time, said: “This is a very emotional subject for all of us, even after the passage of 20 years.

“It is appropriate that we all remember what happened.

“Twenty years ago, a mother and brother and extended family lost a son and brother in the most shocking and tragic circumstances.”

The showdown with planning officials followed a dispute that had gone on for several years.

The region’s media had been invited to cover the demolition and the incident became the first murder in the country to be captured by television cameras.

As well as shooting Mr Collinson twice, he also wounded police officer Stephen Campbell and BBC Look North reporter Tony Belmont.

Dryden has served 19 years behind bars and remains in prison.

Mr Collinson’s brother, Roy, 72, who did not attend the rededication ceremony, said Dryden has never shown remorse and should never be released.

Former colleagues and dignitaries gathered at County Hall for the service to remember Mr Collinson’s life and work.

A prayer and minute’s silence was held.

Council chairman