NEWCASTLE Building Society has appointed a new chairman.

He is 51-year-old Chris Hilton, a senior partner in law firm Eversheds, and a member of the council of the University of Newcastle.

He has taken over from Eric Davey who has retired.

Mr Hilton was vice chairman of the society, a position to be taken by James Heppell, an existing director of the society.

He is married with two children, and lives in Gosforth.

As well as his positions with Eversheds and the university, he is chairman of Nepia Trust Company and a governor of Dame Allans Schools.

He was educated at Ascham House School, Newcastle, Cambridge University and Adelaide University in Australia.

He is a fellow of the Chartered institute of Arbitrators and an accredited mediator.

Commenting on his appointment, he said: "This is a very exciting time to be taking over the helm of the Newcastle.

"In recent years, I have seen the society develop into a major player on the national stage, but its roots remain firmly in the North-East.

"Our future success will rest on our ability to meet the increasing demands of existing and potential customers.

"We will set out to achieve this by combining our commitment to the exploitation of technology in order to offer the widest possible choice and flexibility, with our focus on providing the highest possible levels of customer service."

He said the society would defend its status as a mutual organisation "which operates in the interests of its members, employees, and those communities where we have a branch presence".

The Newcastle is the UK's 12th largest building society with assets in excess of £2.4bn and more than 410,000 members.