The chief executive of the Northern Irish public transport company Translink has announced that he is leaving after just a few months in the job.

Although David Strahan only took up the position in October 2014, but he has decided to resign from his £155,000 per year job to become a Christian preacher. He will continue to work at Translink until September of this year, to ensure a suitable successor can be appointed, and a smooth transition can be ensured.

Mr Strahan said: “In the meantime I will continue to drive forward the efficiency and transformation programme I have already commenced and ensure that Translink delivers cost-effective public transport services.”

Translink chairman John Trethowan said the organisation was saddened by Mr Strahan’s decision, but thanked him for his work and wished him well.

Having issued a statement on the matter, he said that his decision was a deeply personal one, and asked the media to respect his privacy.