LAND Securities, which owns The Gate in Newcastle, The Bridges in Sunderland and Retail World in Gateshead, has appointed KATHERINE LIGHT as portfolio manager.

She joins the Land Securities team in the north from the Leeds office of Donaldsons chartered surveyors, where she was an associate partner.

In her new role, Ms Light will be involved in the investment management of the Land Securities portfolio.

Before joining Donaldsons, Ms Light was an estates manager for retailer Birthdays.

Land Securities regional director Gerald Jennings said: "With experience of retail property from both the owners' and occupiers' perspectives, Katherine is a welcome addition to our team."