Derwentside Primary Care Trust (PCT) has apponited Peter Innes as chairman.

Mr Innes will join the PCT from the North-East Ambulance Service NHS Trust, where he has been chairman since 1999.

He led the trust through a merger to three-star status.

Mr Innes is also deputy chairman of the Ambulance Service Association and vice-chairman of Lanchester Parklife - a project to establish a community park and children's play area.

He worked in local government until 1998, when he retired as chief executive of Easington District Council.

The chairman of County Durham and Tees Valley Strategic Health Authority, Tony Waites, said: "He brings to the PCT skills and experience that will have a marked impact on the provision of essential services to the community."

A chartered accountant, Mr Innes lives in Lanchester. He will receive remuneration of £16,417.

Mr Innes said: "I am looking forward to the fresh challenges that working in the primary care sector brings."

Judith Lund has been acting chairman since the former chairman, Keith Murray-Hetherington, stepped down from his role in April.