The man who has been at the centre of York's life and heritage for nearly 40 years is to step down from his post.

John Shannon has decided to retire as chairman of York Civic Trust after 38 years.

Mr Shannon joined the trust in time to write the inspirational "mission statement" in the annual report of 1962 to 1963.

However, after nearly four decades in the role of chairman, Mr Shannon, aged 83, who has suffered ill health, has taken the decision to step aside.

Trust member June Hargreaves, said: "John Shannon would be the first to say that no organisation can operate through one person alone, and he is a past master at canvassing the opinions of his colleagues and of experts in a particular field, on subjects which concern the trust.

"Nevertheless, the success of the trust and its achievements of the past 38 years owe an enormous debt to the vision, guidance, inspiration and, perhaps most of all, to the enthusiasm which John Shannon has brought to his role as its chairman."

Updated: 11:03 Tuesday, June 19, 2001