THE Fitzwilliam Malton Estate manager is to retire this week after 21 years in the role.

Roddy Bushell steps down on Friday, September 28 and will be replaced by Helen Barry.

Tom Naylor-Leyland, on behalf of Fitzwilliam Malton Estate, said: “Roddy Bushell will be greatly missed having led the management team through a period of considerable transition and overseeing the highly successful initiative to establish Malton’s reputation as the Food Capital of Yorkshire. This has included the establishment of the Malton Community Interest Company, now trading as Visit Malton and the complete renovation and relaunch of The Talbot Hotel. Perhaps most satisfying is to see the establishment of a considerable number of successful food and drink producer/retailers in restored historic buildings. He should rightly feel proud of all that he has achieved and I would like to thank him most sincerely for his very significant contribution to the town and the Estate.”

Mr Bushell said: "The town is very different in many ways now from how it was in 1997 when I first moved here. It has been a fascinating and inspiring journey playing a part in Malton’s lively response to the challenges of 21st Century. Nevertheless, there is much still to do and I wish Helen every success in her new role.”

Helen has been with Savills in their Oxford office for nine years and prior to that with Cluttons and brings with her a wide range of experience in commercial property management. She takes up the role in mid-November.