The man at the helm of regeneration projects in Londonderry has stepped down from his high-profile post.

Bill Kirk resigned as Chief Executive at development body Ilex for family reasons.

Mr Kirk said he would continue to champion Derry as an investment opportunity and remain a "committed ambassador" for the area.

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Formed in 2003, Ilex's main remit is to generate master plans for two former army bases at Ebrington and Fort George in the county.

Having his family based in England has made raising his young family increasingly difficult, Mr Kirk said.

He said this issue, teamed with the reduced flights into Northern Ireland, had compounded his decision.

His resignation was accepted by body Chairman Sir Roy McNulty.

Sir Roy paid tribute to Mr Kirk's hand in the city's transformation, adding he had received the resignation with "considerable regret".

(PR/JM)