Gloucestershire College Principal Dr Greg Smith has announced he is to retire next summer.

The man who took over RFDC says it's time to step down from the top job after 16 years.

It means plans to move the college from Coleford to Cinderford will now be in the hands of his successor.

He will step down in August 2013 at the age of 62 having joined the college as Principal in 1997.

He is a strong believer in using further education to drive regeneration plans and he has transformed the College estate.

After rationalising the number of teaching centres, the college invested in two state-of-the-art campuses, one in Gloucester and one in Cheltenham.

Greg said: "When I joined the College in 1997 my aim was to build on its reputation by creating learning environments fit for the 21st century and to continually improve the student experience."

A college spokesman described him as a visionary leader with the determination and drive to achieve exactly what he sets out to do.

They said during his time at the helm Gloucestershire College has improved its Ofsted grade, its success rates and its reputation.

Greg is a product of the further education system, a former president of the Students' Union and college lecturer.

As Chair of the Gloucester Heritage Urban Regeneration Company (GHURC), a role he has held since its inception in February 2004, he is credited with bringing millions of pound to the county.

He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Gloucestershire in 2009 for his services to further education and regeneration and in 2010 was made a Deputy Lieutenant for Gloucestershire.

He is Council member for the University of Gloucestershire and a board member of the Gloucestershire Local Enterprise Board (LEP).

Greg says he plans to play golf and do some fishing before making any decisions and will continue with his duties as a Deputy Lieutenant.

Chair of Governors Graham Ripley said: "I would like to recognise Greg's inspired leadership over a long and challenging period for both the College and the sector.

"Greg is widely recognised for his entrepreneurial ability as well as his keen insight and his willingness to get involved. The outstanding growth and achievements of the college over this period have all benefitted from his strong commitment."