ONE of the longest serving council leaders in the South West has stepped down from his post at East Dorset District Council.

At Monday's annual meeting, Cllr Derek Burt's role as leader was taken over by Cllr Spencer Flower.

Cllr Burt has been leader of the East Dorset District Council Conservative Group for 28 years, and has led the council for that time apart from four years when the Lib Dems were in control between 1995 and 1999.

He is the third generation of his family to serve on the council and was also the council chairman in 1977, 1978 and 1979.

He said it had been "an honour and a privilege" to have been leader of the council during such an interesting, exciting and challenging time.

"To have had the support of so many first class councillors over the years was really something special," he said.

"The close working relationship between councillors and staff is the main reason we have been able to achieve so much."

Under his leadership the council developed Moors Valley Country Park, played a leading role in the development of leisure and community facilities in Verwood, and in setting up East Dorset Housing Association.

Cllr Flower, the new leader, will be assisted by deputy Alex Clarke.

Cllr Flower said: "It is a great honour to be given this chance to serve the people of East Dorset. I look forward to continuing the fine work of my predecessor, Cllr Derek Burt. I will strive to build on the good work achieved by the council to date and meet all future challenges head-on."

At the same meeting, Cllr Ray Dudman was elected the council's chairman for 2008-09, with Cllr Pauline Reynolds as his deputy.