by Martin Jefferies and Sarah Marshall

One of the top men at Thanet council is to leave his post.

John Bunnett, the authority's deputy chief executive, has been snapped up for the most senior role at Ashford Borough Council.

He will take up the chief executive position in October, subject to agreement at an extraordinary general meeting of his new employer on Monday.

Mr Bunnett said: "As someone who has lived in Ashford for many years, I have more than a passing interest in the borough, how Ashford is evolving into a vibrant and growing town and the role the council has to play in delivering this through providing quality services.

"I'm really looking forward to taking on the responsibilities the job presents and I'm looking forward to getting to know the employees and partners who are so committed to making a difference to the lives of people across the borough, and to working together as the town and borough grows."

Mr Bunnett's appointment follows the departure in early July of Ashford Borough Council's former chief executive, David Hill, who left to take up the role of chief executive at Milton Keynes Council.

It is not clear who will succeed him at Thanet council, which is headed by Richard Samuel.