STEVEN Broomhead has announced he is stepping down from his role as chief executive at the Northwest Development Agency.

Mr Broomhead joined the Centre Park based organisation in 2003 but told today's annual general meeting he would retire in October.

Mr Broomhead, chairman at Warrington Wolves, also worked as chief executive at Warrington Borough Council.

The Government announced in the summer that regional development agencies would be scrapped in 2012.

Robert Hough, chairman of the NWDA, said: " He is well known and respected across both the private and public sector and has been a fantastic ambassador for both the Agency and the wider north west.

"His strong partnership skills have set the foundation for the transition and closure of the Agency and I fully respect and understand his decision to retire at this point."