A Hexham councillor has resigned to focus on his family.
Christian 'Chip' Ponsford, who represented Priestpopple Parish ward, has left the role due to family commitments.
The OpenHexham Independent councillor, who was also a psychotherapist with 10 years of experience working with a broad range of people, was elected in May 2021.
He was known for his work on his mental health charity Heart Wood, which works to improve the mental health of people, focusing on men through woodland-based, person-centred counselling and therapy.
Hexham Mayor Derek Kennedy said: "It is really sad to hear a councillor resigning and we thank Chip for his work and we wish him well."
Due to the councillor's resignation, there is now a vacancy on Hexham's town council for the Priestpopple ward.
Requests to fill the vacancy must be made to The Returning Officer, Elections Office,Northumberland County Council, County Hall, Morpeth, NE61 2EF, by January 28.
More than 10 residents from Priestpopple Parish must request an election otherwise the vacancy will be filled by co-option, which means the council will choose who to fill the position.