THE Learning and Skills Council County Durham has appointed NICK JAMES as director of skills and planning.

Bristol-born Mr James is a town and country planning graduate, and has worked at Stockton Borough Council, the Department for Trade and Industry and the former Cleveland County Council.

He joined the LSC Tees Valley in 2001 as director of strategy and communications.

He said: "I am looking forward to making a difference for people and employers in the county."