A Dorset museum is searching for a new person to fill the role described as "the best job in the world" its outgoing director.

The Tank Museum has begun a search for a new director following an announcement that Richard Smith OBE will be stepping down in October.

Mr Smith will be leaving The Tank Museum in Bovington after 17 years at the helm, which has seen a full redevelopment, growth in visitor numbers, increase in profile and turnover increasing from £1.6m to £6m.

He said: “I have enjoyed many happy years at The Tank Museum, taking on a variety of challenges: from multi-million-pound development projects to responding to a complaint from a visitor who was upset he could not bring his pet parrot into the museum!”

Richard, who occasionally appears on The Tank Museum’s YouTube channel to share his passion for history, is leaving to take the role of executive director at Gresham College in the City of London.

“I have always said that this is the best job in the world, and whilst it still is, the time is right for me to find a new challenge.”

“I would like to thank all the trustees and staff for their hard work and support – and am confident The Tank Museum will remain in good hands.”