LEIGH'S coroner is leaving for the country's most prestigious coroner's post - just nine months after taking on the role.

When the last coroner, Martin Coppel, retired on health grounds last August, it took almost four months to replace him, and families became upset after inquests involving their loved ones were delayed.

But Aidan Cotter, who is moving to Birmingham, pledged he would do everything he could to ensure there was no problematic gap between coroners this time.

He said: "I think it's important for the area that there's a smooth transition and I will do everything I can to ensure people do not suffer in any way from my departure.

"I would hope that a new coroner would be appointed before I leave so there is continuity."

Mr Cotter, who spent 17 years as a part-time coroner in Walsall and went to university in Birmingham, said his new job was too good an opportunity to pass up.

As the West Midlands city's only coroner - by contrast, London has six and Manchester four - he will take on one of the busiest coroner's posts in England.

He added: "It's really a case of going home for me but even if it wasn't, I would still have wanted the job because I personally believe it's the best coroner's jurisdiction in the country."

Bolton Council denied that a backlog of hearings had built up during the last interval between coroners.

By law, anyone applying for the post must have served at least five years as a barrister, solicitor or doctor. Mr Cotter, for example, had served as a solicitor for 34 years.

When the post was last vacant, it was advertised with an annual salary of £57,000. Mr Cotter was selected from 26 applicants. The previous Birmingham coroner, Dr Richard Whittington, had been in the post for 25 years. He retired last month.