TRIBUTES have been paid to the outgoing chairman of Durham County Council.

Cllr Pauline Charlton, the Labour member for Evenwood, performed civic duties with her daughter Susie.

Her year in office came to an end with the council’s s annual meeting today (Wednesday, May 21), which she was unable to attend because she is in hospital due to illness.

Councillors from all parties paid tribute to the way she has performed the role.

The council’s Labour leader, Cllr Simon Henig said: “She has been a fantastic ambassador for this council and I hope we will have the opportunity to thank her in person for her efforts.”

The Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Derwentside Independents and Independent groups also paid tribute.

In a statement read by her successor, Cllr John Robinson, Cllr Charlton said it was a privilege and an honour to be a councillor and that being chairman of the council “has been the icing on the cake”.

She added that she met some wonderful and inspiring people in the role

More than £18,000 was raised for her chosen charities, the Butterwick Hospice and Treetops Children’s Ward at the University Hospital of North Durham, Durham City.

Cllr Robinson, Labour member for Sedgefield, who worked in the NHS, will be supported by his wife Maxine during his year in office.

His charities will be Butterwick Hospice and the Great North Air Ambulance Service.

Cllr Jan Blakey, new vice-chairman and Labour member for Coxhoe, worked for the Meals on Wheels service of the now-defunct Durham City Council.

The make-up of the county council’s decision-making cabinet remains the same.