The city's fire chief is moving on after five years in the job.

Graham Buckle is standing down as York group manager for North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, to take on health and safety responsibilities for the whole brigade.

Mr Buckle, who has been in the brigade for 21 years, will become group manager for human resources and health and safety. He will still be based in York.

His successor is John Swires, who is currently at the fire training centre in Easingwold.

Mr Buckle, who will turn 47 on Sunday, said he had enjoyed his time as York chief and reflected upon notable successes.

He said getting the aerial appliance up and running and available in the city was a key highlight, as was working with partner agencies in Safer York Partnership.

He added: "We have been able to drive forward community safety in a big way. In the five years I have been here, crews in York have fitted about 5,500 smoke alarms."

Looking forward, he said: "I am looking forward to the challenge. They say a change is as good as a rest, but I have really enjoyed my five years.

"I will have more responsibility for staff and also for health and safety legislation and issues across the whole brigade."