A FORMER council chairman will be honoured by his most recent successor later this week (Friday, June 13).

Bill Firby, who was a councillor for 52 years and served as chairman of Durham County Council in the 1980s, will be presented with a commemorative tie and cufflinks by Councillor John Robinson, the current council chairman, on Friday.

Mr Firby, 89, of New Brancepeth, near Durham City, is a Second World War veteran, a great-great-grandfather and a day patient at St Cuthbert’s Hospice, in Durham, where Friday’s presentation will take place.

Hospice chief executive Paul Marriott said: “Bill is a popular figure here at the hospice and he’s been coming for several months.

“We think he’s done his bit for County Durham and we’re proud now to be able to serve him.”

During his visit, Coun Robinson will be shown round the hospice and meet staff, volunteers and patients.