CAN I take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported their local Labour candidates in the recent council elections.

More than half of all votes cast across County Durham on May 2 were for Labour candidates, a substantial increase from the previous set of local elections and approximately twice the national Labour increase.

The new Labour group in Durham includes people from all walks of life, including record numbers of women and younger councillors.

In the face of continuing Government cutbacks, unfairly targeted at the North, and which are now entering an unprecedented fourth year, all of us will endeavour to work as hard as we can for our local communities.

Councillor Simon Henig leader of the Labour Group, County Hall, Durham