David Atkinson has announced that he will step down from his role as chief executive of City of York Council at the end of July.

David joined the council in 1995 as the director of Resources, before taking up the top post in December 2000.

David said: "My departure has been an open secret for some time and I have delayed the formal announcement until after the elections so that the new administration can select a new chief executive.

"I've enjoyed working with a talented and dedicated team of officers and councillors at City of York Council and with partners across the city. York has been a fantastic place to live and work in over the last few years and it has been a real privilege to have held the role of chief executive in such a special city with an equally special future."

One of David's final tasks will be to co-ordinate the arrangements for the new political leadership of the council following the council elections (4 May).