AFTER 22 years working as an estate agent, a Malvern man is leaving the area to run a hotel in Devon.

Robert Walker, a residential valuer for Whitt, Yeates and Ridley with Humberts, departs at the end of this month.

With two business partners, he has purchased the 10 bedroom Glazebrook Country House in South Brent.

Mr Walker said he had been very happy working for Whitt Yeates and Ridley with Humberts, where he first started in a junior position in 1984.

He said moving away from Malvern was a difficult decision but he felt it was time for a change of direction to try another way of life.

"I would like to thank all the clients of the business for their support, friendship and goodwill over my time here. I will miss it greatly," he said.

Mr Walker said he would love to receive visitors from Malvern in Devon.