STUART Neame, vice-chairman of the Faversham-based brewery Shepherd Neame, has resigned from the company.

His decision is believed to be over the eventual successor to Bobby Neame as chairman of the business.

In a statement the firm said: "The board of Shepherd Neame announced yesterday that Stuart Neame, vice-chairman, 58, has informed the company of his decision to resign from the board with immediate effect.

"The board has accepted his resignation and would like to pay tribute to the contribution Stuart Neame has made to the business over his many years of service with the company, which he joined in 1972."

Mr Neame is known for his views on topics such as licensing reform.