ONE of the driving forces behind the growth of estate agent Stags, which has a branch in Wellington High Street, is retiring.

Michael Powell, 67, who lives between Oake and Nynehead, has been with the company since 1983 and spent seven years as chairman.

Among his roles was livestock auctioneer at Taunton Market for over 25 years until it closed.

Mr Powell took a degree in estate management at the College of Estate Management, then part of London University and now part of Reading University.

His first job was with Thorne and Carter in Cullompton before he moved to Salisbury in 1976, and back to Somerset and starting work at Stags.

He said: “I have predominantly been on the agricultural side of the business. The blend of the law and the outdoor life, and the livestock auctioneering, always appealed. I have helped drive Stags forward from five offices to the large regional firm it is today with 20 offices.”

Mr Powell plans in his retirement to watch more cricket and visit all the county grounds in England.

He also plays tennis and shoots, and is looking forward to seeing more of his grandchildren, walking and gardening.