Jim Clarke, finance director at JD Wetherspoon, is to leave the pub operator in October to pursue other career opportunities.

Clarke joined Wetherspoons in 1998 having previously worked for Whitbread owned David Lloyd Leisure.

Tim Martin, chairman of JD Wetherspoon, said: "He has made a significant contribution to the development of the business and he leaves JD Wetherspoon on a strong financial footing. I wish him well in his future career."

Clarke himself said: "I have enjoyed the ten years I have spent at JD Wetherspoon. I would like to consider other career opportunities and have decided now is an appropriate time to do so."

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By Christopher Walton

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