NEWLYN'S harbour master, said to be the longest serving in the UK, is to step down.
Andrew Munson (inset), who first joined the team as a trainee clerk in 1969 and was appointed his current position ten years later, will retire from his post towards the end of the year.
The town's harbour commissioners have appointed Rob Parsons to succeed him, having joined the board this month and serving as harbour master designate for a transitory period. He will be installed fully at the end of the year.
Mr Munson said he had faith in his replacement and was sure "he will have the harbour at his heart".
He said: "As far as I'm concerned Rob will do a good job.
"He's now working with me to ensure he's the right man.
"At the end of the year the intention is to hand over completely.
"It's a new beginning. He may have different ideas, but I would like to think that he will continue further development of the port."
Originally from Basingstoke, Mr Parsons moved to the Isle of Wight before a career in the Royal Navy and is now excited about the move to west Cornwall with his family.
He first visited the port on HMS Gleaner in 2010 and said he immediately fell in love with it.
He said: "It's a dream come true," and he is "looking forward to integrating and working with all those involved and interested in the port as this is an exciting time for Newlyn Harbour."
His predecessor has been paramount to a number of changes and welcomed numerous visitors.
He oversaw the building of the Mary Williams Pier in 1980 and its expansion in 1988; the fish market; the pontoon system in 2006; and slipway facility developments in 2006.
He also hosted royal visits including the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, the Duke of Cornwall, the Prince of Wales and late Princess of Wales.
He added: "My wife has got plenty of things lined up for me.
"There's some decorating to do and I will spend more time with my grandchildren.
"I shall still keep on the French consular position and as Penlee operations manager at the lifeboat station."
"I have had several big projects – I came in when the commissioners decided they wanted to improve the facilities here.
"I have seen some major developments. I would like to think I have benefited the harbour."
