NORTH-EAST based bookmaker Pagebet has appointed a director to run its newly launched online betting service.

Mark Irvine has joined the Durham company as director of remote betting.

Having been a part of the team that launched Bet365 in 2000, Mr Irvine has held a succession of board-level posts in major betting and gaming groups, including chief marketing officer at TradeSports and group marketing director at UKBetting/365Media Group (now part of Sky).

From Sunderland, he is returning to his North-East roots from his role as managing director of Jaxx UK, part of the German lottery company Fluxx.

Mr Irvine, 44, said: "I am delighted to be joining Pagebet at this exciting time in its rapid development. I have been an admirer of the company for several years and I have watched their business grow with great interest.

"They are a proven success story already and I am looking forward to joining as part of the team who can help to implement Pagebet's ambitious expansion plans. As someone from the North-East, I am proud to be joining a big regional company who have huge aspirations and plans for national and international growth."

Last month, Pagebet expanded its network of betting shops with the acquisition of a nine-branch chain in the West Midlands, increasing its shop estate to 43 businesses.