THE auctioneer of Weston’s Stephen and Co has announced he will be leaving at the end of the year to embark on a new career at a public school.

Jeremy Pickles, aged 55, of College Road, in Clifton is leaving the estate agents in Walliscote Road to take up a new challenge as director of development at Clifton College.

He said: “After 30 years with Stephen and Co this opportunity has come along out of the blue and offers an exciting opportunity for a complete change of direction.

“I have a long association with Clifton. My four children were educated there and my wife Karen is a housemistress and director of drama.”

As Stephen and Co’s auctioneer Jeremy will not be hanging up his gavel just yet, but will also continue as the firm’s consultant auctioneer.

Jeremy will take up a role which is also new for the college. He will be responsible for promoting its Development Trust and fundraising for projects and bursaries.