A LEADING country stores in Okehampton said goodbye to a long standing member of staff earlier this year.

After 27 years' service for Mole Avon Trading, including the last 16 as its chief executive, Andy Gibson stood down at the end of September.

Company chairman John Lee said the company appreciated all Mr Gibson did: 'I would like to thank Andy Gibson for his commitment and leadership as chief executive.

'He has overseen a period of growth and expansion, particularly at our Axminster and Okehampton branches.

'Following a comprehensive search and interview process, the board of directors unanimously approved the appointment of Richard Billson as the company's next chief executive.

'Richard has been a valued employee of the company for over 30 years and has both the experience and commitment to take this company into a new era.'

The company now also includes a Jet fuel station and Spar convenience shop under the Mole Avon Forecourt brand on its site at Okehampton.

Mr Billson, who is Mole Avon's third man to take over at the top in almost 40 years since the company was founded, said he was looking forward to taking on the role.

He said: 'I am excited and inspired by the opportunity to lead Mole Avon into a new era.

'We have exciting plans to continue to develop our stores in the coming years to be able to not only match but exceed our customer expectations in the rural and country sector in which we specialise.'