Mr Barker has worked for the local authority for 16 years

Mike Barker, director of children, families and lifelong learning, will depart at the end of the month after 16 years' service with the council.

Mr Barker's post disappeared when the authority decided to reorganise two of its departments.

A council spokesman said his departure would be a "great loss" and he would be a hard act to follow.

He added that Mr Barker had decided to leave, but it is unclear whether he was offered another position.

The local authority explained that Mr Barker's responsibilities would come under the social servcies and community services department.

His will be a hard act to follow Powys Council

Mr Barker joined Powys Council as assistant director of education in 1989. He was appointed director in 1992.

A council spokesman said: "The council is carrying out structural changes to the children, families and lifelong learning, and community services directorates."

He added: "This change effectively means that the post of group director, children, families and lifelong learning is redundant and the current post holder, Mr Mike Barker, has decided not to remain with the authority.