THE chief executive of the Courtyard is stepping down.

Martyn Green, who is currently on leave, will leave in January next year having decided to “take some time out for himself”.

Ovations were incoming for a chief executive who took over 12 years ago.

Mr Green leaves with the arts centre established as one of the Arts Council’s National Portfolio Organisations (NPO), having recently become one of 173 successful arts organisations nationwide to gain funding from a new initiative by The Arts Council through its Catalyst programme.

Roger Morgan, chairman of the Courtyard board, said: “Martyn has had great artistic influence on the direction that the organisation has taken.

" One of his great legacies will be that he has built successful relationships with local communities, including the local council, businesses and residents."

A new chief executive shuld be appointed in the autumn, ready to start in early 2013.