A Lowestoft Town councillor has resigned from the council for personal reasons.

Matthew Owen, who represented the Pakefield ward on Lowestoft Town Council, handed in his resignation this week.

A spokesman for Lowestoft Town Council said: 'Mathew Owen resigned owing to the time constraints imposed by his professional career.

'He felt strongly that, the role of councillor is an important one in a town for which he has a great passion, but, in practice, he had not had the time required.

She added: 'After careful consideration, he decided he wanted to free the seat up for someone who has the necessary time for this important role.

'He has wished the Town Council great success and has offered to assist the Council should an appropriate opportunity arise.

'The Town Council is grateful to Mr Owen for his interest in the Town Council and his kind offer of support going forward. We have advertised the vacancy and hope to be back to 20 councillors in the near future.'

Deputy mayor Peter Knight said: 'I encourage anyone who is thinking about becoming a councillor to put themselves forward, although it is a huge commitment it is a wonderful thing to do and it is very rewarding.'

The vacancy will be filled by the council via an election or co-option.