THE leader of Ribble Valley Borough Council is to step down for 'personal reasons'.

Cllr Stuart Hirst, who has been in charge of the Conservative-run authority for the last four years, will leave his post on Tuesday, May 9.

The 59-year-old, who took over from Michael Ranson in the role, is to be replaced by former West Lancashire MP Ken Hind, 67.

Deputy leader Cllr Terry Hill will also step down with Cllr Paul Elms taking his place.

Cllr Hirst, who is a dad-of-two, said: "Over the last year I have, along with my family, reevaluated my personal priorities.

"It can be an incredibly tiring job for one that's part time.

"I still want to serve as a committee chairman so I will be around at a senior level.

"I want to make sure the success that we have had over the last four years is build upon.

"One of the best moments for me has to be when the Tour of Britain came to the Ribble Valley.

"We really rose to the challenge to organise that event.

"Keeping the council tax frozen for seven out of the last eight years as well has been a real achievement and the council is in rude health.

"The worst moment has to be the flooding on Boxing Day 2015.

"For many reasons the response from other agencies was slow so we were left on our own a bit.

"It was a very sad event."

Cllr Hind, who represents Longridge, was an MP from 1983 to 1992 and was awarded a CBE when he left Parliament.

There was no contest for the leadership as no other candidate came forward.

Cllr Hirst represents Wilpshire and has run a printing business for the last 35 years.

He said: "It has been a privilege and an honour to serve my borough for the last four years as leader of the council.

"I would offer my successor my congratulations and good wishes as he takes on the responsibilities of the office.

"Leading Ribble Valley has been an experience which I shall always value; challenging of course, but immensely rewarding and enjoyable.

"The borough has been fortunate in the breadth of experience and abilities of its members and staff and I am immensely grateful for the solid and consistent support and advice I have received from all colleagues, both members and officers and particularly my deputy Cllr Terry Hill and the chief executive Marshal Scott and his management team and would offer them all my sincere thanks."