The new chief executive of Slough Borough Council has been named, following months of interviews and trials.

The interim chief executive, Roger Parkin, will be permanently adopting the role he has been occupying in a temporary capacity for the last 18 months.

Mr Parkin was notified this morning (Friday), and spread the word at the one-year anniversary celebration of the Curve, which he said had been a "pet project of his."

Speaking to the Observer, Mr Parkin he was "Happy, proud, and excited" by the news.

Mr Parkin said: "I'm looking forward to the challenge, to make this town the great place it can be."

When asked why he felt he had succeeded over his rivals, Mr Parkin said: "I've been a director for 9 years, and interim chief executive for the last 18 months. I think they recognised that I had the experience, and the deep understanding of the town and its residents."

Speaking at the Curve's anniversary event, Mr Parkin praised the dedication of the staff in helping the building succeed: "You may not know this, but this has been one of my pet projects. I think its fair to say its been one of the most difficult builds in the whole town. But the building has been going from strength to strength; it's what I wanted it to be, and I hope it continues to flourish."

Mr Parkin will be formally ratified as chief executive at the next full council meeting.