Rochford DC in Essex is to look for a new chief executive after its serving chief, Paul Warren announced he is to step down in December after 15 years in the post.

He said: 'This has been a hard decision to make, but I feel the time is right for both me and my family. I've always said that I would go once I reached 60. I still get a lot of enjoyment out of the job but it's important I now hand over to someone new who can steer the council through its next set of challenges.