Ottakars finance chief stands down

Edward Knighton, is well regarded at the company, has yet to find another job but announced strong results, up 6.6%, for the seven weeks to 18 September.

'I've been with the company for five years and life moves in five-year cycles so it's time to move on and find a new challenge,' said Knighton, who will leave in November.

Ottaker's chairman, Philip Dunne, said the company was in advanced talks with a number of candidates, although no replacement has yet been appointed.