A town hall chief last night confirmed rumours that he is quitting his job.

Brian Dinsdale is resigning as chief executive of Middlesbrough Council, after two years, to "pursue other ambitions".

The 56-year-old was Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon's choice for the job.

Mr Mallon last night praised the man he met when both worked in Hartlepool - Mr Dinsdale as chief executive of Hartlepool Borough Council and Mr Mallon as a police inspector in the town.

Mr Dinsdale, whose official retiring date is January 31, 2005, said: "I joined the council in early 2003 at a time of financial and organisational instability. The council was facing many radical changes, but without the basic infrastructure in place to sustain them.

"With little or no regeneration capability, Middlesbrough was not punching its weight in the Tees Valley and beyond. This had been recognised by Ray Mallon.

"My remit from him was to re-establish within two years a firm foundation upon which his long term vision for Middlesbrough could be built. We believe that remit has now been fulfilled."

Mr Mallon said: "Brian can be very proud of the part he has played in the resurgence of Middlesbrough in the past two years and I wish him well for the future.

"Brian has achieved everything I hoped he would - and more. He leaves the council in a far healthier position than when he took over and will be a hard act to follow."