ARRIVA plc has appointed LIZ THORPE as deputy company secretary.

She will take responsibility for work on pensions and corporate governance.

Company secretary David Turner said: "I am sure she will be in invaluable asset to the company as it continues its development."

Ms Thorpe, a former Heaton Grammar School student, has worked for Whitbread and Thames Water.

She said: "There are a number of challenges involved in working for such a large and innovative plc and I am looking forward to getting on with what I'm sure will prove to be an exciting and rewarding role."

Ms Thorpe is moving to Lanchester, near Durham, from Reading.