NORTH-EAST fire chief George Herbert has announced his retirement after five years at the helm of his brigade.

Following 31 years in the service, the past half a decade as chief fire officer, he has informed the County Durham and Darlington brigade that he will retire in the early summer.

Following the announcement, fire authority chairman Councillor John Quigley said: "I am saddened to see George go as the service has improved dramatically under his stewardship."

Coun Quigley spoke of the large changes faced by the service and the way in which Mr Herbert had put his energy into ensuring that County Durham and Darlington were safer to live in or visit. He also praised the leardership Mr Herbert had shown.

He said: "There is now a need to ensure that George Herbert's successor has the same qualities, abilities and enthusiasm as he has shown throughout his service."

Mr Herbert spent much of his career with Tyne and Wear Fire Service, and was promoted to deputy chief fire officer with Northumberland Fire Service before his present post.

He said: "I am sad to go as I will miss working with people, not just at Durham and Darlington, but also in the region and throughout the whole fire service."

He said it was time for him to step down and make way for someone else, and said he was looking forward to filling in his time playing golf, a sport he has only recently taken up.

He also plans to maintain his fitness by running and working out in the gym.