One of Cumbria County Council's top executives has announced his departure.

John Macilwraith, the council's executive director for people, is leaving the post in September.

The county council has said that plans are now being put in place to recruit a successor.

Mr Macilwraith, whose remit at the council includes oversight of adult and children's social services, education and skills, public health and more, will be taking up the same role at Sheffield City Council after his departure.

Mr Macilwraith, who has been with the county council for 11 years, expanded the breadth of his responsibilities last year after being the director of children's services since 2014.

He said it has been "an enormous privilege to work with Cumbria County Council".

"During my time here I have worked with many outstandingly talented members and officers.

"It will be a wrench to leave but I am confident that we have the right people in place to ensure our good work continues for the people of Cumbria."

The leader of Cumbria County Council, Stewart Young, said he was saddened to hear that Mr Macilwraith had decided to leave the county council.

However, the Labour Party council leader added that he recognised "the opportunity that this presents for him to share his extensive experience and dedication to improving services with others.

"I would personally like to wish him every success in his new role, which I am sure he will take on with the same enthusiasm and passion he has here in Cumbria.

"He has been focussed and resolute in his ambition to improve services to the most vulnerable and he will be sorely missed.”

The chief executive of the county council, Katherine Fairclough said "whilst we are very sad to lose John, we understand his need to seek out a new challenge and also to be closer to his family.

"He will be missed and he has been a great leader and colleague.

"I am extremely grateful for all his hard work and his unswerving dedication to the people of Cumbria.

“During his time here he has worked hard to establish a strong team around him and I know that by working together we will continue the excellent progress that has been made in ensuring the quality of the services that this directorate delivers.”