ROSSENDALE Council's interim chief executive was due to leave the authority for the last time today.

James Gravenor was brought in to lift the council after it was placed at the bottom of a national league table of councils.

A report by the Audit Commission recommended an overhaul of senior management in the council with the threat of a Whitehall team being sent in to take over.

The 52-year-old father of two, described the authority as "a lobster being boiled slowly" before the Audit Commission stepped in.

Councillor Graham Pearson, the council leader, paid tribute to Mr Gravenor. He said: "When we appointed James we were at the bottom of the league table.

"James has changed the way we work and has brought in procedures that are common and good practice in other authorities. He's also brought a little bit of pride to our staff."

Coun Pearson added that Mr Gravenor's influence during his nine month tenure will have moved Rossendale Council up the performance charts.

"I think we will go up the league tables as a consequence of his work. It has been a pleasure to be able to work with an officer who knows where he is going and what can be achieved."

Mr Gravenor was presented with gifts during a leaving party at the Town Hall in Rawtenstall last week.