A MAN who transformed the fortunes of a Northumberland arts centre has announced he is to stand down.

Dr Miles Gregory, who became chief executive and artistic director of The Maltings in Berwick in 2008, is to return to his native New Zealand to run the family retail business in Auckland.

“It’s been a sad week but I’m afraid it’s needs must,” he said last night.

“I’m afraid it’s quite a dull story. There have been no fallings out with the board or anything. But I’m ready for a break, I think.

“It has been very hard work and very rewarding work, but it has been pretty exhausting and I think it’s a good time for me to take stock.

"I will be returning to the UK at some time and I hope to be back in the arts. I will be involved in the arts in Auckland because I hope to take up a position on various boards.”

Dr Gregory, who is 34, first joined The Maltings Theatre & Arts Centre as interim director, having advised the board on the way forward for the struggling venue.

Under his leadership, the number of tickets sold annually has more than doubled to almost 50,000 while earned income has increased by 179%.