A well-known face has taken over the role of Newhaven town clerk.

Ian Everest has lived in the town for 24 years and has been manager of Newhaven Fort for the last 14.

Now he has taken over the role of clerk for Newhaven Town Council.

He said: "I wanted to have a change and wanted to stay involved locally with local issues and continue to work with people I had worked with in the past."

Part of his role will involve organising council meetings but he said there were many other jobs to do as well.

He takes up the role following the departure of Paul Archer.

Mr Archer was suspended from his duties on full pay between February and November 2000 and left after his contract ended in February 2001.

The council has remained tight-lipped over the reasons for Mr Archer's suspension.

An investigation by the district auditor continues and is expected to conclude later in the year.

Mr Archer had intended to bring a case for unfair dismissal before an employment tribunal but the matter was eventually dropped after a financial package was agreed between the council and Mr Archer.