TONY Rush, Thanet council's finance director and deputy chief executive, retires at the end of this month after spending 27 years with the authority. Mr Rush, 58, joined the authority in 1974 as the finance department’s chief technical officer. Before then he worked for Ramsgate borough council from 1967 to 1971 and also spent time with local authorities in Harlow and Northampton.

In 1992 he was appointed to his present position and took on the deputy chief executive role when David Ralls became chief executive in 1994. Council chief accountant, Arthur King, 51, will succeed him.

Council leader Cllr Richard Nicholson said: “Tony will be missed by his colleagues and friends at the council. Through his years of service, he has acquired a wealth of experience. He has an intimate knowledge of local government and has played a pivotal role in the organisation and management of the council.

be an excellent finance director.”

On retirement Mr Rush plans to visit his daughter in Australia and son in Florida.