Council chief executive retires

Phil Jones is to step down from his post in six months' time

Dumfries and Galloway Council's chief executive has announced plans to retire from his post in six months' time.

Phil Jones has been in the post with the south west Scotland authority for 10 years.

He said he had been "immensely proud" to serve the community in Dumfries and Galloway.

Council leader Ivor Hyslop said Mr Jones had helped to steer the organisation through a "turbulent decade" in its history.

The authority has also agreed to the retirement of its executive director of community and support services, Les Jardine, in the same timescale.