AN officer has been appointed to lead regeneration efforts in a North-East city.

Phil Barrett, 48, has been named as Sunderland City Council's first director of development and regeneration in a re-organisation of the authority that has seen nine departments turned into five directorates.

His new role will encompass anything that affects the continued development of the city, including making roads safer and projects to create jobs.

Mr Barrett, a father-of-one who lives in East Boldon, South Tyneside, is moving from his job as executive director of environment and transportation with Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council.

He began his career with Durham County Council in 1975, designing trunk road improvements.

During his career he has been senior assistant director of environment at Sunderland.

He has also worked at Newcastle City Council, where he was involved in policy and research.

Mr Barrett said: "I worked in Sunderland for four years during the mid-1990s and I'm extremely pleased about coming back to a city, and council, that holds such fond memories for me and my family.

"My role will be much different to my previous one and I'm very excited by the challenges the new directorate presents in helping the city to prosper.''

Council chief executive Colin Sinclair said: "We look forward to welcoming Mr Barrett back to play such a vital role in our drive to take the city and the council forward with fresh thinking and new ideas.''