MIKE Palmer has served Suffolk faithfully for 18 years.Now he is to enjoy his well-earned retirement after 18 years with Ipswich Borough Council and 39 years' service in local government.

MIKE Palmer has served Suffolk faithfully for 18 years.

Now he is to enjoy his well-earned retirement after 18 years with Ipswich Borough Council and 39 years' service in local government.

Council director Mr Palmer has been replaced by Jim Dillon, former assistant chief executive of Forest Heath District Council.

Mr Palmer, who also worked for Braintree District Council and the London Borough of Southwark, is well-known throughout Suffolk for his morris dancing.

He is looking forward to spending his retirement developing more interests and taking on new challenges within the housing field - and continuing his dancing.

Mr Dillon, a football fan who likes curry and Coronation Street, joins Laurence Collins and Tracey Lee as one of Ipswich Borough Council's three directors. He is married to Janette and has three children, Gordon, Ashley and Iain.

"I support Ayr United, but have had a season ticket at Portman Road for five years. I still manage the odd game of football myself, but it now takes me several weeks to recover," he said.

"I enjoy wine, beer and curry tasting, am a member of the Round Table and I am totally hooked on Coronation Street. Let's face it, I'm dull."

Mr Dillon's responsibilities will include community planning, e-government and public service agreements. Before moving to Suffolk, he was chief officer and head of corporate services with Irvine Development Corporation in Scotland.