BEAMISH Museum’s director Richard Evans has resigned with immediate effect.

The news comes months after he was suspended from his post as part of an inquiry into financial concerns raised at the popular visitor attraction.

A statement released by the open-air museum today said: “The Beamish Museum Board can confirm that Richard Evans has resigned as museum director with immediate effect.

“The board acknowledges and would like to thank Richard for his contribution to the museum’s success, as part of a wider team effort, since he took up the role in July 2008.

“The board will make arrangements in due course to recruit to the position.

"In the meantime, the museum will continue to be run by the deputy director and senior leadership team, supported by dedicated members of staff and volunteers. We look forward to working with them to build on the museum’s successes to date.”

Mr Evans led a team of more than 430 staff, supported by 500-plus volunteers and more than 2,000 friends and business partners at what is one of the region’s most visited attractions.

The museum is currently working on delivering a £23m redevelopment masterplan, which includes a reconstructed 1950s town and a Georgian coaching house. Its Remaking Beamish project won a £10.9m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and work is now underway.

Prior to working at Beamish, Mr Evans was the director of the Wentworth Castle and Stainborough Park restoration project, near Barnsley, and development officer for New Lanark World Heritage Village in Scotland.