LANGPORT-based children's charity bibic is bidding farewell to its chief executive of five years, Geoff Cummins.

Mr Cummins handled the sale of the charity's former headquarters near Bridgwater, and its move to its current base at Old Kelways.

The move is credited with helping the charity, which supports children with developmental conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy and Down's Syndrome, to expand its services.

Barbara Scruton, bibic's chair of trustees: “Geoff handled the sale of our previous headquarters at Knowle Hall, which enabled us to survive at a time when financial circumstances were extremely difficult.

“Following the move, we were able to start planning again for the future, including the expansion of our national services and we owe this to Geoff.

“If he hadn't dealt with the negotiations so efficiently we might not be here today. What followed was a very large and complicated move over a period of weeks, which was also a credit to Geoff and the team.”

Jon Shoesmith, bibic's family services manager, is stepping in as interim chief executive.