A senior leader has been given warm tributes by a council as he leaves to take up a new role as chief executive of two local authorities.

Arthur Charvonia will leave his role as strategic director for Waveney and Suffolk Coastal district councils to take up the top job at Mid Suffolk and Babergh district councils in the new year.

The 40-year-old has worked in local government for 11 years and has been a strategic director for eight years, where he helped guide Waveney District Council through the difficult period in 2007 and 2008.

'He was the go-to person for that period of time,' Waveney District Council leader Colin Law said.

Mr Charvonia was appointed to a shared role across Waveney and Suffolk Coastal councils in 2010, with Mr Law saying he had helped both councils 'go from strength to strength'.

Mr Law added: 'He has dealt with many issues and problems and throughout has been an absolute stalwart and a consistent source of advice.

'Thank you for all you've done for Waveney and we wish you every success for the future.'

Labour opposition group leader Sonia Barker and Stephen Baker, chief executive of Waveney and Suffolk Coastal district councils, also added their congratulations.

Following Mr Charvonia's departure, Mr Baker will take on the role of returning officer at elections, as well as electoral registration officer.

Hilary Slater, Waveney and Suffolk Coastal's head of legal and democratic services, will take on the role of monitoring officer, while Siobhan Martin will become senior information risk officer.

Karen Last will take on the role of deputy electoral registration officer.

The deadline for applications for Mr Charvonia's current job at Waveney and Suffolk Coastal closed yesterday (Thursday) at a salary of between £86,536 and £91,687.