SUPPORTED housing organisation Norcare has appointed a new chief executive to succeed predecessor Barbara Dennis.

SUSAN BICKERTON will be responsible for ensuring that Norcare delivers a high-quality level of service to vulnerable individuals across the North-East, and for strengthening its relationship with key partners.

She will also be implementing strategies to ensure that Norcare evolves and offers effective and innovative service solutions to clients.

Before joining Norcare, Ms Bickerton spent six years at the Learning and Skills Council, where she was executive director for Northumberland.

Bill Midgley, chairman of Norcare, said she promised to be a "first class" appointment.

He said: "She has extensive and successful experience at this level and is well acquainted with the challenges and opportunities facing the organisation.

"I have worked with Susan before and am looking forward to re-establishing our working partnership in taking Norcare forward."