LEIGH'S coroner is leaving after less than a year in office to take over the second largest district in the country.

Aidan Cotter, the current Manchester West Coroner -- whose duties involve conducting inquests in Leigh, Bolton and Salford -- will depart on October 26 to take up the prestigious position of Birmingham coroner.

He said: "I have very much enjoyed my time at Leigh."

He took up the post in December last year and said it was sad he was leaving because he had just got to know Leigh.

He said: "I have started to get know people, the courts and the areas." He added he was looking forward to the challenge of putting a system in place for Birmingham, which is his home town.

Mr Cotter has more than 30 years experience as a solicitor.

He became a part time coroner in 1984 before becoming a full time coroner on taking up his Leigh post.

The closing date for applications for the Manchester West Coroner's post is August 24.

The post is being advertised with a salary of between £52,689 and £58,866 a year plus a 5.5 per cent supplement, almost £3,000 if the new coroner joins an enhanced pension scheme.

Other perks include allowances for a work-related car and telephone use.

Coroners must have had at least five years experience as a barrister, solicitor or doctor.