A new town clerk has been appointed to replace one who left in mysterious circumstances.

Ian Everest will take up the job at Newhaven in February, exactly two years after Paul Archer suddenly left the post.

The District Auditor has been investigating the financial implications of Mr Archer's departure and a report on the issue is expected in the New Year.

New town clerk Mr Everest is the manager of Newhaven Fort, a top tourist attraction. In the 14 years he has been in charge visitor numbers have soared.

Mr Everest has lived in Newhaven for 24 years and is married with two daughters aged 23 and 17 and a son aged 20.

He said: "I am looking forward to the challenge and to working positively with councillors, staff and the people of Newhaven."

Mr Archer was suspended on full pay from his £25,000 a year job from February to November 2000, and his contract was ended in February of this year.

A financial package was agreed between the council and Mr Archer a few weeks after the case was listed for hearing at the Brighton Employment Tribunal and his claim for unfair dismissal was dropped.

Newhaven Town Council has remained tight-lipped about the circumstances of Mr Archer's departure, citing only his "conduct of council business" for its initial action in suspending him.

Mr Archer has also declined to comment. For the past year his job has been shared between town council staff