A Newent-based housing association has bid a fond farewell to its dedicated chairman, after 13 years on the Board.

Dr David Garnett retired as Chair from the Two Rivers Housing Board at its Annual General Meeting last week - handing the reins to Shadow Chairman, David Powell.

Mr Garnett said: “I will very much miss the comradeship and being part of the fantastic project that is Two Rivers Housing. My time here at Two Rivers has outpaced expectations. It has been a privilege to be involved and I have thoroughly enjoyed it.”

Garry King, Chief Executive of Two Rivers Housing said: “The expertise and knowledge David has provided us with since Two Rivers was established in 2003 has been invaluable. It has been a pleasure working with him and he will be greatly missed."

Mr Garnett played a key role in the association's’ move to its new energy-efficient and sustainable headquarters in Newent.

Mr Garnett is an expert in housing policy and practice, - specialising in the areas of housing economics and finance.

After leaving school he became a management trainee at a builder’s manufacturers and went on to complete an economics degree, a Masters in Public Administration and, finally, a PHD.

He has been a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Housing since the 1980s and has worked for them, and a number of other housing agencies around the world, during the last 30 years.