The driving force behind Oxford's city centre management company OX1 is standing down from the role.

Bill McCardle, who was the organisation's first chief executive, is moving to take up a new job at the Learning and Skills Council based in Kidlington.

He said: "I have had a wonderful time as city centre manager and it was an honour to do the job.

"OX1 and Oxford is well positioned for a successful future and I want to thank everyone who has helped me.

"There is never a 'best' time to leave, but I know that now is the right time to step down."

Mr McCardle, 48, was appointed in July 2003, when he claimed his aim was "to make Oxford the most attractive, prosperous and successful city in the south of England."

During his tenure he has worked on campaigns to tackle litter, graffiti and fly posting. He also backed moves to curb city centre drinking and drug abuse through the Nightsafe partnership with the police and the city council and introduced the first Shoppers Guide to Oxford, listing 500 stores, shops, bars and restaurants.

Recently, the OX1 board put the wheels in motion for the creation of Business Improvement District, which will involve encouraging businesses to pay towards promoting the city centre during busy trading periods such as Christmas.

Philip Kirk, chairman of OX1, said: "Bill has done a great job for the last four years in getting OX1 up and running to the stage where it is now a thriving organisation. He will be a hard act to follow."

Now the hunt is now on to find a new manager, with the search taking place nationwide.