Hartlepool BC chief executive Dave Stubbs will retire this May, so ending a 44-year local government career spent entirely working for the council.

Mr Stubbs, aged 66, who was born and educated in Hartlepool, joined the council in 1971 as a work study officer, rising up the ranks to hold numerous senior positions before his appointment as chief executive in October 2012.

Mr Stubbs said today: ‘I've been very fortunate to have had a long and very enjoyable career working for the council in my home town.'