Exeter City Council's Chief Executive and Growth Director Karime Hassan, who has lived in Honiton for the past 20 years, has announced he will step down at the end of March.

Mr Hassan was appointed MBE for services to local government in the Queen's New Year Honours List at the start of 2022.

After almost 10 years as chief executive at Exeter City Council, he said the time was right to step down.

The 60-year-old has reportedly "overseen a huge growth in the economy" during the last decade and overseen expansion which has seen Exeter become "an economic powerhouse and an internationally recognised city of culture".

The local authority said that his work "has seen Exeter's economy grow faster than anywhere else in the South West" and "Exeter's reputation as a major retail destination saw the likes of IKEA and John Lewis attracted to the city".

Karime said: "My decision to retire from the council has been very difficult but I think the time is right for me personally and for the organisation.

"I have undertaken a number of roles connected with the city of Exeter for 23 years, during this time I have worked with some outstanding colleagues, leaders and institutions, and I have witnessed the amazing progress of the city.

"It has been a privilege to be part of the collective endeavour and to play a small part in building a stronger city."