Dorset Council says there has been a large number of inquiries about the Chief Executive role it advertised for which could pay up to £200,000.

“We’ve had a huge amount of interest. I’ve spoken to fifteen prospective candidates so far; there are a lot more; and there’s a lot more completed applications,” said council leader, Nick Ireland.

The position is to replace existing post-holder, Matt Prosser, who is moving to New Zealand later in the year to take up the chief officer post at Wellington City Council.

Of those he has spoken to, Cllr Ireland said, “many had great skills and some may end up on the short list”.