A Dodd & Co partner has announced he is retiring at the end of this year.

Alan McViety joined the accountancy firm 37 years ago and has decided to retire, although he will continue in a consultancy role with the firm.

Mr McViety, who began his career 47 years ago, said: “We have always believed in 'growing your own' and right from the very beginning we trained our own accountants and tax advisers ensuring we always had a strong team which in turn provided a great network of knowledge.

"It works – the 171 staff we currently have is testament to that – and Dodd & Co continues to grow and prosper.

"Everyone plays a part in contributing to the firm’s ongoing success. Although it’s the end of a very happy era, I’m not worried about leaving as I know my clients are in very capable hands.

"I have loved every second of being a partner at Dodd & Co but now it’s time for a few more holidays, a bit more time for my family and my extensive list of hobbies!”

From January 1, Simon Kirkbride will join the partnership. He joined Dodd & Co when he left school in 2002 and became a tax manager in 2014.

Mr Kirkbride, originally from Wigton, will be the firm’s second tax partner.