THE chief executive of the region's biggest council, who has helped create thousands of jobs, is to retire.

Kingsley Smith, 58, will stand down from the top job at Labour-run Durham County Council at the end of June.

Mr Smith, who has worked in local government for 41 years, joined the council in 1967 and, after qualifying as an accountant, rose to become treasurer in 1984 and then chief executive four years later.

A council spokesman said: "Over the past 20 years, he has been a key figure in the social and economic regeneration of County Durham, championing its corner at both regional and national levels.

"While his role and responsibilities have touched every aspect of the council's services, his major achievements have been in the areas of job creation and economic development."

Mr Smith chaired the East Durham Task Force for ten years, following the closure of the coal mines in east Durham in the early 1990s with the loss of 25,000 jobs.

By 2000, it had achieved its objective of creating 10,000 jobs, as well as carrying out major environmental improvements in the area, including the Turning the Tide project, which reclaimed the beaches after centuries of colliery waste tipping.

Mr Smith also chaired the Fujitsu Task Force, which found jobs for 550 workers when the Newton Aycliffe semi-conductor plant closed.

He was also behind the launch of the County Durham Development Company in the late 1980s, which has created 23,000 jobs, helped establish the North-East Chamber of Commerce and was a key player in attracting first-class cricket to County Durham.

Council leader Ken Manton said: "His record of service to community, county, region and country is extensive, varied, impressive and enduring.

"As chief executive of Durham County Council, Kingsley Smith has helped to steer the authority through a period of unprecedented change and upheaval.

"He has also helped determine its aims and objectives and has been highly instrumental in helping us gain our status as an 'excellent' authority.''

George Cowcher, chief executive of the North-East Chamber of Commerce, said: "Kingsley Smith has made an enormous contribution to County Durham and we wish him well on his retirement."