A 54-YEAR-old accountant is to be a North-East council's new chief executive.

Brian Dinsdale, currently chief executive of Hartlepool Borough Council, was favourite for the £135,000-a- year job at Middlesbrough Borough Council.

He replaces John Foster, who will be chief executive of Wakefield City Council.

"I live in Middlesbrough and am immensely proud of the town," said Mr Dinsdale who was assistant chief executive and treasurer of the former Cleveland council.

"I'm delighted to be taking up this post and the new challenges associated with it. Middlesbrough has achieved a great deal in the past five years. It is a modern, forward- thinking and high-performing organisation."

Mr Dinsdale, who has been chief executive at Hartlepool since 1988, said: "My aim is to work with the mayor, councillors and employees to consolidate those achievements and move forward, so that the council gives an effective lead to the town and delivers good quality services."

At Hartlepool, Mr Dinsdale led the successful transition to unitary status, secured City Challenge, New Deal for Communities and SRB projects and developed the local strategic partnership. The council has achieved the highest Best Value inspection results in the UK.

Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon said: "He has the skills and commitment to take the council and the workforce forward so they achieve the best results."