THE man responsible for delivery of post-16 education and skills development in Wyre Forest is to retire early next year.

Alan Curless, as executive director of the Learning and Skills Council Herefordshire and Worcestershire - LSC - heads the organisation preparing young people for the workplace across the two counties.

Among his roles during his time with the LSC and, before that, Worcestershire and Herefordshire's Chamber of Commerce, has been chairing the funding and steering group that developed Bishops Wood Environmental Education Centre, near Stourport.

In his earlier life in his native Lancashire, Mr Curless was a professional rugby league player with Wigan.

He also secured a unique DTI funding package to set up the behind-the-scenes tour of Granada Studios, where Coronation Street is produced, in Manchester.

He steps down in February.