THE man who orchestrated training and enterprise in North Yorkshire is leaving his top post.

The board of North Yorkshire Training and Enterprise Council (TEC) said it was with "great regret" that Roger Grasby, chief executive, is taking early retirement on health grounds.

TEC chairman Chris Ivory said: "Roger was the architect in establishing North Yorkshire TEC in June 1990.

"He has overseen its development to the point where the TEC is now an influential and respected organisation in the training and development of individuals and businesses in York and North Yorkshire."

Mr Grasby, 50, will remain in his Clifton Moor-based post until the end of the year.

He said: "I am clearly very sad about this announcement.

"It's obviously been a very difficult decision but the medical advice was quite clear.

"I will stay at the TEC until the end of the year to see several major projects through to completion.

"I will also help to recruit a successor, who will inherit an able team and a TEC which is in sound financial shape and improving its performance year on year."

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