AN executive director at Dorset Council is retiring.

John Sellgren, the council’s executive director for place, has announced he will retire after five years in the county, and more than 33 years in local government.

The role, which includes responsibility for libraries, economic growth and infrastructure, comes with a salary of around £145,000 a year.

Mr Sellgren is set to leave the council at the end of the year, with arrangements to appoint a successor to the role will be made in due course.

Cllr Spencer Flower, leader of Dorset Council, said: “John has been an instrumental part of the leadership team which successfully launched Dorset Council in 2019, bringing together the many different services of the legacy county, district and borough councils through Local Government Reorganisation.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank John for his valuable service over the last five years and wish him all the best for a long and happy retirement.”