Well-known local Councillor, Rotarian and former Mayor of Newton Aycliffe, Michael Dalton, has announced his engagement to a lady he first met thirty years ago. Michael was holidaying in Harrogate when he first encountered Sue Ward who now lives in Leeds. “We lost track of each other but I recently searched for Sue on Facebook, found her and we have been in touch ever since,” said Michael.

No arrangements have yet been made for their wedding. Retired accountant Michael (52), has battled both spina bifida and kidney failure since the day he was born and spends all his waking day in a wheelchair – but still plays an active role in local affairs. He recently completed a 50 kilometre charity ride on a static, upper-body hand cycle at the Lifestyle Fitness Suite in Newton Aycliffe to raise money for the Mayor of Great Aycliffe’s appeal for the Renal Unit at James Cook University Hospital and other local charities. Michael’s mother, 91-yearold Mary Dalton, has been Mayor of Newton Aycliffe on four occasions. The town’s Rotarians burst into song with “Congratulations” at this week’s meeting when they heard of the engagement. “We are absolutely delighted to hear your good news”, said club President Nora Scott.