Portishead Town Council’s most senior administrator has left her post at the authority, less than a year after assuming the role.

Andrea Durn, who had served as the council's clerk since November, has quit with 'immediate effect'.

Ms Durn replaced Jo Duffy, but the town council says she has decided to pursue 'new opportunities closer to home'.

Paul Gardner, chairman of the town council, said: "Andrea has decided, with immediate effect, to pursue new opportunities nearer to home.

"The town council has put interim arrangements in place to ensure that service levels are maintained for its residents.

"It is also conducting a full staffing review as part of its modernising agenda and will be making further announcements in due course."

Cllr Gardner told the Times the town council will 'make no other comment than to wish Andrea every success for the future'.

He continued: "We are very pleased to report existing office staff have agreed to take on extra duties on an interim basis in order to transact the council's business.

"Town councillors are also providing additional administrative assistance at no cost to residents."

The authority, as a 'modern, forward-looking and community-focussed council', says it is seeking a 'like-minded individual' to replace Ms Durn in the long term.

There had been a prickly atmosphere at some town council meetings in recent months, with the decision to remove public speakers' names from causing friction.

The decision - made in March - followed data protection concerns raised by Ms Durn, but with a new administration taking over after May's elections the move was reversed in July.

Ms Duffy left Portishead Town Council to take over a similar role with Nailsea Town Council.