The managing director of one of the region's biggest companies has resigned just months after taking the role.

Martin Hopkins stepped into the role at Norse Commercial Services when previous managing director Peter Hawes retired in September, having served 28 years since the company's formation.

Norse Group chief executive Mike Britch confirmed that Mr Hopkins had tendered his resignation and would be succeeded by group operations director Dean Wetteland.

He said: 'We can confirm that Martin Hopkins submitted his resignation this week as managing director of Norse Commercial Services to pursue other career interests which will take him closer to his home in the north west.

'We respect his decision and wish Martin every success for the future. The board has asked Dean Wetteland, group director operations take charge of the company.

'Having worked for the company for 12 years, and having been in his current role for the last two years, Dean knows the company very well and has all the necessary skills and experience to move forward what is a successful and expanding business.'

Mr Hopkins had joined Norse, an EDP/EADT Top100 company, from construction giant Costain, and had been charged with leading the services company's ambitious growth plans.

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