A Bradford Council director is to become one of Britain's youngest local authority chief executives.

Owen Williams, Bradford Council's first ever director of marketing and communications, is leaving the authority after three years.

Mr Williams, 34, has been appointed chief executive of Rossendale Borough Council in Lancashire.

Brought up in Bradford, Mr Williams joined the Council from Leeds-based communications agency CWG.

He lives in Bradford with his partner, Heather, and sons Jason and Vaughn.

Mr Williams said: "I'm delighted to have such an opportunity but sad to be leaving Bradford and my colleagues."

He said one of the highlights of his career with the Council was playing a major part in Bradford's bid to be European Capital of Culture 2008.

"Bidding for the title raised Bradford's profile across the district and in other parts of the country and saw a growing sense of civic pride," he said.

"One of the things I always wanted from the bid was for Bradford people to have a sense of ownership and we're on that journey now.

"It will take a while to get there, but many of the cultural projects included in the bid are now being put into place."

Bradford Council chief executive Ian Stewart said: "Owen is our youngest director and has brought a fresh approach to the Council.

"He is passionate about Bradford and has worked tirelessly to increase civic pride and improve external confidence in the district.

"It has been a privilege to work alongside Owen over the last three years and he will leave a gap in our senior management team.

"I believe he will make a first class chief executive and I wish him all the best.''