One of the directors of Palmers Brewery in Bridport has announced that he will be retiring after more than 40 years at the helm of the company.

Sales and marketing director Cleeves Palmer, who has led the family-run brewer alongside his brother John for the past 43 years, has announced his retirement.

He will be handing over responsibility for the free trade business to Josh Palmer Ramus.

A statement from Palmers Brewery said: "We wish Cleeves well after more than 43 years' service to the company. Coinciding with his retirement, the company has agreed to buy back all outstanding shares held by Cleeves Palmer."

John Palmer, chairman and managing director of Palmers Brewery, said: "We are proud to announce this deal to take Palmers into the next chapter of the business' 229 year history.

"A huge thank you to our staff, licensees and customers for their longstanding support, this is at the heart of what it means to us to be a family business.

"My daughter, Emily, and I look forward to continuing to work together to ensure Palmers is successful for generations to come."