The boss of Brighton Festival Fringe has left the organisation – just weeks before registration for the 2011 event begins.

Nick Stockman, executive manager of the annual cultural spectacular has held the post for six years.

During his time there Mr Stockman helped to develop the fringe from its beginnings as a stand-alone organisation to its current position as the third largest fringe festival in the world.

Yesterday the fringe refused to say why Mr Stockman was leaving, but described the departure as “mutual” in a written statement.

For full report see today's Argus.