THE boss of Clitheroe's biggest employer Ultraframe has suddenly resigned less than two years after steering it through a stock market flotation.

Ian Robinson is leaving the firm when its share price is almost at its highest and the company is enjoying record sales.

In a brief statement issued by the company no reason is given for the resignation of Mr Robinson, 45, who last year earned a pay package of £121,452.

But a spokesman for the company today said Mr Robinson felt it was the "right time for someone else to take the company onto its next stage" following its dramatic growth in the past two years.

Founder John Lancaster, who has stepped back from the day-to-day running of the business, said he would now be playing a more active role.

Ian leaves the group in a very strong position," said Mr Lancaster.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.