A HOUSING body has announced the appointment of a new chair and three new members of its board.

Derwentside Homes, which manages 6,700 former council properties in County Durham, has appointed Karen Stoker as chair of its board.

The 33-year-old chartered accountant, from Consett, will take up the position immediately.

She said: "I'm thrilled about my new role and I'm also enthusiastic about working with the board to make sure Derwentside Homes achieves its exciting blueprint for the future of housing."

Three councillors have also been appointed to sit on the board: Coun Janice Docherty, Coun Clive Robson and Coun Joe Armstrong.

Coun Docherty, a councillor in Stanley for 15 years, said: "I decided to join the board as housing is one of the most important services - it provides food on the table, a roof over your head and the essentials of living."

Also on the board are Phil Toal, business manager for Keepmoat and Andy Groves, Senior Assistant Director for housing consultants Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners.