THE former chief executive of Herefordshire Council has bid farewell -in this year's Christmas card.

Neil Pringle, who retired from the post on Friday (December 7), has wished successor Chris Bull the best of luck as he starts his new job today (December 10).

Mr Pringle says in his Christmas message he had always made it clear that he was unlikely to compete for the new post of chief executive of both the council and the primary care trust.

Mr Pringle held the post of chief executive of Herefordshire Council for ten years.