A RESPECTED businessman has retired as chairman of a mental health charity.

Estate agent Peter Freitag stepped down as chairman of Darlington Mind. His place has been taken by Dr David Hall, who praised his predecessor at the charity's annual meeting.

"Peter will be a very hard act to follow but this is an exciting time to be taking up the reins," he said.

Mr Freitag steered Mind through a period of growth, which included a wide range of day activities being developed alongside the traditional role of housing provision.

The next two years will see a restructuring of funding and delivery of services in the field of mental health.