A communications and marketing manager has been appointed to help promote an area and keep people informed of local affairs.

Easington District Council and Easington Primary Care Trust (PCT) have jointly appointed Mike Lavender to the post.

He was formerly head of marketing communications at Halifax, and advertising and public relations manager at Newcastle's Northern Rock Building Society.

Mr Lavender said: "I am delighted to link up with the council and PCT at such a challenging time.

"The council's major investment in local services and regeneration projects, and the Primary Care Trust's new health care programmes are important to the well-being of residents, and it is my role to ensure that they are kept fully informed of progress on these and other activities."

Paul Wilding, chief executive of Easington District Council, said: "At a time of increasing scrutiny of council services, keeping people fully advised about our initiatives in these areas is vital."

Roger Bolas, chief executive of Easington PCT, said: "This appointment will help us to communicate progress in our endeavour to provide quality healthcare in the district."