THE chief executive of a North-East council has resigned.

Kevin Lavery is to leave Newcastle City Council to take up a post with a York company.

At 37 years old, Mr Lavery was the youngest chief executive of a local authority in the country when he joined the council in August 1997, returning to the city of his birth.

Before joining the council, he worked for Price- Waterhouse Management Consulting, in London.

Mr Lavery said: "I'm very excited to be joining Jarvis plc. I am sad to be leaving Newcastle, but I have to think of my future career development and put the interests of my family first."

Councillor Tony Flynn, council leader, said: "I am disappointed that Kevin is leaving us, but I understand his reasons. On behalf of the city I would like to thank him for his significant contribution and wish him well for the future."