South Tyneside MBC has announced, with sadness, that Cllr Jim Capstick, the council's longest serving councillor and honorary freeman of the borough, has died.

He was 80 years old and passed away peacefully at his home in South Shields on 13 February. Cllr Capstick was first elected to the council in 1967. He was leader of the Progressive Association and during his years of service represented the West Park, Cleadon Park and Harton wards.