A director of a County Durham museum has resigned with immediate effect.
Richard Evans has left his role at Beamish Museum after 12 years at the open air attraction near Stanley.
A spokeswoman for the museum board confirmed his resignation and thanked him for his service.
She added: “The Board acknowledges and would like to thank Richard for his contribution to the Museum’s success, as part of a wider team effort, since he took up the role in July 2008.
“In the meantime, the Museum will continue to be run by the Deputy Director and senior leadership team, supported by dedicated members of staff and volunteers.
“We look forward to working with them to build on the Museum’s successes to date.
“The Board will make arrangements in due course to recruit to the position."
Mr Evans led a team of more than 430 staff who were supported by more than 500 volunteers.
He was part of the team working on delivering a £23m masterplan which included the reconstruction of a 1950s town.
The museum has been closed since mid-March due to the coronavirus outbreak.
