A board member of James Fisher and Sons has stepped down with immediate effect.

The Barrow-headquartered firm has announced that Fergus Graham will also step down as director of the marine support division.

He will remain an employee of the company until March 19 2021.

Mr Graham was appointed as executive director in March 2018.

He joined the group in January 2017 in a senior role in the marine support division, having previously led and grown businesses over the last 20 years in Europe, Singapore, Australia, North America and Africa.

He had held senior commercial roles working with a range of clients across government, financial institutions and technology, as well as leading acquisitions from initiation through to integration.

Malcolm Paul, Chairman of James Fisher, said: "He was also responsible for international business development in emerging markets and the development of the group's value proposition in the offshore renewables market.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Fergus for his contribution to the Group and wish him every success in the future."

The announcement said full details of his leaving arrangements in respect of fixed pay, annual bonus and the treatment of share awards, which are consistent with his current service contract and the company's shareholder approved remuneration policy, will be disclosed on the group's corporate website, james-fisher.com in due course.