Oil pioneer steps down

a Pioneer of the north Sea is stepping down as chief executive of his gas exploration firm.

algy Cluff, 77, will remain as chairman of Cluff natural resources but will take a step back to pursue other interests, including setting up a new charity.

The ex-Grenadier Guardsman was one of the first to drill for oil in the north Sea and helped discover the Buchan oil field there in 1975. He has also made major mining discoveries in Tanzania, Ghana and Zimbabwe, during a colourful career.

The Aim-listed firm has licences to explore further in the north Sea. Finance director Graham Swindells, 45, will take over as chief executive, while the finance role has yet to be filled.