EDWARD Chorlton, Devon County Council's Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director of Environment, Economy and Culture, will retire in November after more than 40 years with the authority.

Edward, who lives in Teignmouth, joined the County Council in 1969 as an Engineering Assistant for trunk roads. He went on to rise steadily through the ranks to hold a number of posts in the areas of highway maintenance, design and planning before becoming County Environment Director in 1991.

Following a re-structure in 2006, he was appointed Director of Environment, Economy and Culture (EEC) and Deputy Chief Executive, and became an Executive Director for EEC in 2008.

Throughout his career he has led on many high profile projects including the A303 Marsh Road Diversion, the development of a comprehensive cycle network across Devon which includes the Tarka Trail and the Granite Way, the Barnstaple Western Bypass and initiatives resulting in recycling rates in Devon standing at an impressive 50 per cent, and 95 per cent of Devon's Public Rights of Way being easy to use.

Under his leadership, Devon was the first local authority in the world to use ice detection equipment comprehensively on its road network to enable the authority to respond more accurately and effectively to changing weather conditions.

In recent years, Edward has also been responsible for Devon's libraries, the county archives, art and culture and found this aspect of his work to be both challenging and enjoyable.