A COUNCILLOR born a month after the Titanic sank has announced that he is to stand down after representing his ward for 50 years.

James Graham, 94, was elected on to Stanley Urban District Council in 1957 and then Derwentside District Council when it was created in 1974, getting re-elected every four years.

He has been the chairman of both authorities and was until recently, despite his age, the council's junior whip.

Councillor Graham still has a driving licence and, when he is feeling well enough, drives his Ford Orion on the 15-mile round trip to council meetings at the Civic Centre in Consett.

He is 95 in May, making him one of the oldest, if not the oldest, councillors in the country.

Coun Graham said: "I have never had any bad comments about my service and I have enjoyed my time.

"I like to keep people happy and attend to all of the complaints that are given to me.

"Things have not changed a great deal since I joined the council, they have just followed on."

Coun Graham was born in May 1912. When the Second World War broke out in 1939 he joined the RAF and fought in Germany and Africa.

Before going into politics Coun Graham was a bus driver and became a secretary with the Transport and General Workers' Union.

He joined the Labour Party in 1952 and was elected to represent the people of South Moor five years later.

Coun Graham added: "I feel as though I have done my duty for the people I represent.

"It has been a pleasure to look after the needs of the old people."

Council leader Alex Watson paid tribute to Coun Graham's lengthy career.

He said: "He is totally dedicated to serving the needs of the community and felt he needed to be at every meeting.

"He has a quick mind and is like a walking encyclopaedia of knowledge.

"The are members who have modelled themselves on Jimmy Graham because he was so active."