Oliver Carruthers, director of Canterbury's Gulbenkian theatre is to step down - opting instead to run a B&B in southern Spain.

Mr Carruthers, who has been in post at the arts centre on the University of Kent campus for just under two years, will be opening his new venue, near Granada, in late May in time for the summer season.

He is making the move with his partner Nata, a Spanish teacher and tour guide.

Mr Carruthers said: "The timing feels right for this new adventure and I’m excited to be making the leap to take on some new projects.

"We’re off to run a small boutique hotel in a village close to the sea near Granada in the south of Spain.

"In the future, we have plans to develop the business to include artists’ residencies and festival work, so I am really keen to keep in touch with my arts network."

In addition to running the B&B, Mr Carruthers will act a a consultant for the cultural sector, using his 20 years experience of running venues and festivals.

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