Cumbria County Council's chief executive Diane Wood will retire in February.

Ms Wood has worked in local government for the last 35 years and has spent the last eight years working in Cumbria.

She joined the council in 2008 as director of resources before being appointed acting chief executive in May 2013.

She was then given the £140,000-a-year chief executive role permanently in September 2013.

Ms Wood offered to resign from her post last year after children's services were rated as inadequate but council leader Stewart Young refused the offer.

During her time as chief executive, she has overseen austerity measures including hundreds of job losses and millions of pounds in financial savings.

Ms Wood said: "My decision to retire has not been taken lightly and whilst I am very sad to be leaving I am also looking forward to time with friends and family and maybe even some new challenges ahead.

"After 35 years in local government I hope you can see my commitment to public service has been solid and it has remained steadfast.

"I have enjoyed immensely the time if have spent here at the council and here working in Cumbria, and I believe that together we have achieved a lot for the people of Cumbria."

Ms Wood's salary has also been a talking point during her time as chief executive.

It was revealed earlier this year that was one of four officials earning more than £100,000 a year.

Her predecessor Jill Stannard was earning £170,000 but the new £140,000 salary was agreed following a review of similar positions nationally.

Council leader Stewart Young said: "Diane has been a first class chief executive and it is without doubt our loss.

"Her personal style and strong leadership have helped steer Cumbria through some difficult times including helping us achieve millions of pounds of savings as a result of the government’s austerity agenda.

"She has helped to forge strong and closer working relationships with a wide range of partners bringing many people together to help achieve her overriding ambition of delivering better services to the people of Cumbria.

"I can only hope that we are lucky enough to secure another chief executive of her calibre."

Ms Wood will help the council in its search for her replacement.