THE leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Clr. John Davies, has acknowledged the contribution of the authority's director of social services, Jon Skone, who is leaving after 12 years in the post.

Mr. Skone is the longest-serving social services director in Wales. He will leave at the end of June.

Clr. Davies said: "I would like to thank him for taking on the challenges of looking after the wellbeing of the people of the county for the last 16 years.

"The ever-increasing demands on social care and the expectations surrounding the service, makes it a hugely difficult field to lead. Jon has demonstrated commitment and responsibility to his position and for that we are very grateful."

Mr. Skone said: "I have always been very aware since I took up my post in 2000 that, because of the nature of the role, and like many of my fellow directors, I would not necessarily remain in the same post until my retirement at 65.

"I now feel that this is the right time to move on to other challenges."

Mr. Skone will also be relinquishing his post as county director for Pembrokeshire with the Hywel Dda Health Board.