HARTLEPOOL Council’s chief executive Dave Stubbs said farewell to colleagues as his 44-year career in local government came to a close.

He joined the council in 1971 as a work study officer and went on to hold a number of senior positions before being appointed chief executive in October 2012.

Remarkably, he has not missed a single day’s work during his whole career because of illness.

Speaking on his last day at work on Friday (May 29), the 66-year-old said: “I’m finally drawing the curtain on what has been an extremely enjoyable but sometimes challenging career working for Hartlepool Council.

“I can’t begin to try and put into words just how proud I am to have served my home town for so long.

“I know I am going to miss it immensely. The council has been a huge part of my life for many years and Monday morning is going to be quite strange.”

Councillor Christopher Akers-Belcher, the leader of Hartlepool Council, said: “Dave Stubbs has been a very strong, loyal and committed chief executive who has helped to drive the council forward since his appointment two and a half years ago."

A collection by colleagues raised £370 which Mr Stubbs has donated to the Hartlepool and District Hospice.

He will be replaced by Gill Alexander, the council’s current director of child and adult services.