David headed the firm for 27 years, but handed over the reins last Wednesday at the end of a highly successful career.

During his time at the Mansfield Building Society, the firm's assets increased from £33m to £286m.

David was also the youngest person to attain the title in 1981 and retires as the country's longest serving building society chief executive.

"It's gone very quickly," David told Chad. "I've been in business 45 years and I've only ever worked in banks and building societies.

"When I started working at 16 there were 225 building societies in the country and now there are only 58 so I'm very proud to say the Mansfield is one of them."

New chief executive Nigel says he is looking forward to the challenges ahead – despite the current financial climate.

He said: "What with the credit crunch and mortgage crisis at the moment it's a very tricky time, but it's a great time to be taking up the challenge.

"Thanks to David we've got none of the money problems that bigger banks have so we can focus more on our customers."

Meanwhile, David now claims he finally has the time to relax and work on his golf handicap.

"My main aims now are to get more exercise and get out on that golf course and out on the Dales," he said.

"I'm also going to be working with my brother-in-law on restoring two classic tractors back to their original glory."