A North-East museum has started a search for a new chief, following the early retirement of its suspended director.

Former director at Beamish Museum, County Durham, Peter Lewis, 62, was suspended in September over a claim that letters meant for the Friends of Beamish were intercepted by Mr Lewis.

He retired in October, but bosses have only just advertised the post in a trade paper. It will be advertised again in The Guardian next week. The closing date for applications is Friday, January 26.

The committee that runs the museum decided not to pursue an investigation after Mr Lewis announced his retirement.