The chairman and long-standing member of Warkworth Harbour Commission has retired after 33 years of service.

Maurice Burnett joined the Harbour Authority in August 1992 as a commissioner and by September 1994 he had taken on the role of chairman, which he has held ever since.

There have been many changes over the years of his chairmanship, both to the infrastructure of the harbour and the transformation from the ex-coal exporting port to a vibrant tourist destination.

The first project completed came in the late 1990s and into the year 2000, which saw major improvements to the quay and restoration of the South Pier. The pier was completely transformed into a lovely walking route for public enjoyment.

In 2001, an agreement was secured with the RNLI for a new boat house and dock – which freed up the old lifeboat house as a commercial opportunity, now the Boathouse Restaurant.

Other significant changes soon followed including improvements to Coble Quay that paved the way for the Harbour Village, a series of varied and retail units which have become a hub for visitors and locals.

The incoming chairman, Robert Booth, said: “Maurice Burnett’s legacy for the port has been enormous and over the years of his tenure, he has overseen the transformation of what was a harbour scarred from past industry to a thriving, exciting place to live and visit.”

During Mr Burnett’s time at the harbour, there have been major obstacles to overcome. A storm in 2008 caused a partial collapse of the Broomhill Quay wall, along with damage to the fuel-oil store.

The recovery and enhancement works that took place over the following five years paved the way for a new vision for the harbour’s future development – which saw the building of a new harbour office, Coquet House, which incorporated retail units that complemented the other popular shops and eating places along the quays.

Even beach huts were built along the Little Shore, adding to the image of a new thriving harbour and popular marina.

Mr Booth added: “There can be no doubt that the harbour is a much better place from having Maurice at the helm for so long, both from a business financial point of view and most definitely an aesthetics point of view.”