The chief executive of Durham Council, George Garlick, has announced he will retire in January when he reaches 60.

Mr Garlick thanked staff for their support and hard work, but added: ‘There is still a long time to go. Until then, as we still have much to do, it remains business as usual.'

Mr Garlick was chief executive of Stockton BC before joining Durham as it became a unitary authority in 2009.