AFTER steering a housing association through "both memorable and challenging times", its chair has retired.

The "much respected" Henry Barker has been at the helm of Eden Housing Association for seven years, and was a board member for two years before that.

The association owns and manages close to 2,000 affordable homes across its rural heartland. It was established 21 years ago after Eden District Council transferred its housing stock.

Mr Barker said among his "personal highlights" was overseeing the development of two extra-care schemes, including Mill Gardens sheltered housing in Kirkby Stephen in 2015.

He told colleagues at the annual meeting: "I think I am like a stick of rock - wherever you cut me I will have EHA running through my veins and I wish the association the very best for the future.”

Chief executive John Clasper said Mr Barker would be missed by everyone and he had "always had tenant and residents' interests at the front of everything".

Taking over as chair is Beth Furneaux, a former Cumbria county councillor with experience in housing and adult social care.