A FINANCE official who was at the centre of a council investigation has quit his post.

Alan Rainford, 44, Hyndburn Council's financial director, tendered his resignation on Friday, five weeks after he was suspended from his £45,000-a-year job.

Details of why he was under investigation were never divulged by the council, though chief executive Mike Chambers said it was not a matter of financial irregularity.

Mr Chambers said the investigation had been proceeding when he accepted Mr Rainford's resignation.

He said: "Having received his resignation that process is finished. There was nothing revealed that showed any loss of confidence in our financial system.

"I understand there were a variety of reasons for him resigning but it's not appropriate to go into that."

Mr Chambers added his former finance director would be getting a reference.

At the time of his suspension, Mr Rainford said "misuse of computer facilities" had been mentioned though he had not been shown any evidence. The Cheshire-based bachelor said he felt he had been made scapegoat following overpayment of councillors' expenses.

Government officials found a total of £20,000 was overclaimed in the 18 months to January 2001. Most of it was written off but £2,900 had to be repaid.

Mr Rainford could not be contacted today.