Crawley's first town centre co-ordinator, Roger Bates, is retiring after almost ten years.

Mr Bates played a major role in many town centre improvements and was responsible for implementing Crawley Borough Council's town centre regeneration strategy.

This has involved the refurbishment of Queens Square, Queensway, Broadwalk, The Broadway and High Street.

He has helped get private companies investing in the town, including developments planned for Queens Square and an Asda store off High Street.

Mr Bates said his work had been extremely rewarding.

He said: "It has been very exciting watching the town centre improve and develop over the past ten years but further growth and investment is needed if Crawley is to secure its future against increasing competition."