Northern Film and Media, the regional screen agency for the North-East, has recruited two staff and a chairman.

Former MEP BARBARA O'TOOLE has been appointed NFM chairwoman, replacing Monarch of The Glen creator Michael Chaplin, who steps down as chairman but continues to serve on NFM's board.

Ms O'Toole, who runs a public affairs company specialising in media issues, said: "We want to make sure films like School for Seduction and festivals like Animex and Northern Lights continue to build the North's reputation as a place to make and see top-quality content."

The agency, which funded the award-winning The Boy Whose Skin Fell Off and North-East-produced comedy School for Seduction, has also appointed two members of staff.

KAREN JAMES, 33, joins as partnerships and development director looking for funding sources.

She joins from Arts Council England North East, where she was resource development officer for three-and-a-half years.

VICTORIA JOHNSON, 26, from Newcastle, is NFM's new training and development manager. She will develop the skills of people working in the North-East's film and television industry.

She joins NFM from Gateshead Voluntary Organisation Council, where she was its capacity building officer.