The man who took over the reins at Cheltenham BC after its chief executive was controversially suspended has announced he is to retire.

Chris Huckle is stepping down just days after the council lost a £1m court ruling in the case it brought against former chief executive, Christine Laird.

Following Mrs Laird’s high-profile suspension, Mr Huckle took control on an interim basis for two years, before current chief executive, Andrew North, was appointed.

He has taken early retirement just days after the High Court rejected an action brought by the council which accused her of having misrepresented medical details she gave during her recruitment.

Mr Huckle said: ‘I have been involved in so many worthwhile and challenging projects, and while I have enjoyed every second, I am now looking forward to taking time out.

‘I don’t have a grand plan for my retirement but I shall continue doing the things I enjoy such as playing squash, travelling and walking.’