NORTH Dorset District Council boss Liz Goodall has formally announced her retirement.

A driving force behind plans for the authority to form a tri-council partnership with West Dorset District Council and Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, she will leave the role of chief executive in February next year.

As a farewell, Ms Goodall was invited to a civic event by Lt Col (Retd) Bob Brannigan, Garrison Staff Officer at Blandford Camp, to see the famous Royal Signals White Helmets Motorcycle Display Team go through their paces.

“It was very exciting,” she said.

“I wasn’t expecting to be asked to take part in the display and I was really quite daunted at first, but the White Helmets are so professional and inspire such confidence that once I got going I really didn’t want it to stop.”

After announcing her departure at a council meeting on Friday last week, she said: “I have now confirmed that I will leave the council in February 2015 to ensure a seamless transfer to my successor.

“By officers, councillors and community working together, North Dorset has made remarkable and innovative improvements and I am proud to have been part of that award-winning team.

“I wish everyone well as the council moves to an exciting new future.”

Councillor and council leader Deborah Croney said: “Members, staff and colleagues from around Dorset will wish to take opportunities over the next few months to express their appreciation for Liz’s significant services to local government and North Dorset in particular.”