A council chief executive has announced he is stepping down after more than 25 years at the helm.

Colin Carmichael is leaving his position at the summit of Canterbury City Council, and will depart in March next year.

The veteran authority boss says now is the "time to pass on the baton".

He has overseen countless changes across the district during his tenure, and worked with numerous council leaders - including current position holder Ben Fitter-Harding.

In a statement released this evening, Mr Carmichael said: "I have sent my notice of resignation to the group leaders and my last day of service will be March 31 next year.

"I have just passed 25 years working for this wonderful council. I never expected to stay so long, but Canterbury is a very seductive place.

"There are always interesting and exciting things to do, and to get the chance to do that in such a beautiful place has been time well spent.

"Leaving is, therefore, quite a wrench. I have had probably the best job in local government.

"However, time moves on, and it’s time to pass on the baton. Doing that has been made easier by knowing that I will pass it on to really capable hands."

It is not yet known who will take over the reins as council chief executive - a role which involves overseeing the management of about 500 members of staff.

"I have been really lucky to have been able to work with a group of people who have made up the Canterbury family," Mr Carmichael said.

"We have worked together over the years to make this a better place to live and work - which is, after all, what councils are here to do."

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