THE chief executive of Darlington Borough Council confirmed last night he was leaving his post.

Barry Keel, who has been with the authority for eight years, will take up the same position at Plymouth City Council next month.

The 52-year-old, who started his career in Darlington in 1996, rejoined the authority from Hartlepool Borough Council, where he was director of development.

Mr Keel has overseen major changes in the way the authority operates, particularly in the wake of its split from Durham County Council in 1997.

He said: "I have mixed feelings about leaving because I have had eight great years here, but this was an exciting opportunity to take up.

"There has been a really good group of people working in Darlington, both members and officers.

"It is a great achievement for everyone involved to have got to where we are from a standing start seven years ago.

"I think Darlington is now poised for very exciting times with developments at Morton Palms, West Park, Central Park and others."

Council leader John Williams said: "Barry has had eight great years at Darlington. He built the team that managed the transition to a unitary council in 1997 and has been key to our success since then.

"His commitment and contribution has been immense.

"We wish him all the best."