TRIBUTES were paid to Bolton Council chief executive Bernard Knight as he presided over his last full council meeting.

Mr Knight, aged 59, will take early retirement on April 8 after 10 years at the helm.

Councillors were introduced to his replacement, 38-year-old Sean Harris, who is returning to the council after leaving in 2003 to join Oldham Council where he is executive director of strategy and resources.

Leading the tributes, council leader Cllr Cliff Morris told Mr Knight: "It's been a great privilege for us to work with you. We have seen the growth of the town and we've become a four-star Excellent' authority.

"You are leaving the town fit for purpose and we wish you a happy retirement and thank you and your wife Helen for all the work you've put into our town." Thanking councillors for their praise, Mr Knight said: "I think I leave the council in good shape with the strongest management team it's ever had.

"The town is in a fine condition with a confidence about it and a strong foundation to seize the opportunities to come."