WREXHAM County Borough Council's director of Corporate Services retired last week after dedicating his entire career to local government.

Brian Goodall, 55, has been the County Borough Council's director of Corporate Services since local government reorganisation in 1996.

Educated at Highfield School in Blacon, he attended Chester City Grammar School for Boys before studying law at Manchester University.

He then became articled to Ray Bernie, Town Clerk of Ellesmere Port in 1970 and qualified as a solicitor in 1973.

Brian worked for Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council before coming to Wrexham in 1979 as the deputy director of Administration and Legal Services for Wrexham Maelor Borough Council.

He was appointed director of Administration and Legal Services in 1990 and was then appointed director within the new Shadow Authority in 1995.

During his career at Wrexham, Brian has seen significant changes to the area and was an instrumental part of the team during the redevelopment of the town centre and other schemes such as the acquisition of Gresford Colliery and its development, as well as a number of urban regeneration and housing projects.

The Council itself has undergone a number of changes in recent years, not least the changes to the Political Management Structure and the implementation of an ethical framework for councillors.

Brian played a key role in the team that brought about the changes that are now familiar to many including the Executive Board and scrutiny committees.

Brian lives near Chester and is married to Jenni. They have two daughters Pippa and Stefanie.

Speaking on his last day at the office, Brian said: 'I am very proud of my 25 years in Wrexham. It has been an excellent place to work. It has been a privilege to work on projects that have had a positive impact on people's lives in the County Borough. I will really miss the wonderful people I have worked with over the years.'

Brian is now intending to spend his retirement hill-walking and doing DIY jobs around his home.

Chief executive Isobel Garner said: 'Brian's considerable contribution to the council has been immense.

'On a personal note I will miss his wisdom and political awareness which have been invaluable to me over the last year. I wish him well for his retirement.'