THE man in charge of one of the region's leading theatre's is stepping down in December.

Ludo Keston, chief executive of York Theatre Royal since September 2001, will take up the post of general manager of the Royal Shakespeare Company.

In his newly-created post at the RSC, he will oversee theatre operations in both Stratford and London.

He will also be a key driver of the management of change during the RSC's £100m redevelopment of its Stratford theatres.

The Theatre Royal's artistic director, Damian Cruden, said: "It is with great sadness that all staff at the theatre bid farewell to Ludo Keston.

"He has overseen a period of significant development here, displaying great understanding and strength.

"We will miss his support and guidance, but most of all his no nonsense approach to the business of theatre."