BURY Council's new chief executive, Mark Sanders, takes up his top post in the borough next week.

Mr Sanders, who starts work on Monday is joining from neighbouring Oldham MBC where he was Executive Director of Policy, Performance and Regeneration.

He said: "My predecessor, Dennis Taylor, has helped ensure this transition period has been a smooth one and I thank him all the help and advice he has given.

"While I look forward to building on what he has achieved, my intention is to spend some time taking a long, hard look at not just where we want to go, but how we are going to get there."

Mr Sanders, aged 47, is married with two children and has previously worked for Leeds City Council, dealing with regeneration based projects.

Bury Council leader, Councillor John Byrne, said: "Obviously we are sorry to see Dennis leaving us, but we are confident we have got the right man to replace him."

At Oldham he has been responsible for four divisions: Performance; Policy and Partnerships; Economic Development; Environment and Regeneration. Before that he was Assistant Chief Executive.