COUNTY Durham and Darlington Priority Services NHS Trust has appointed a non-executive director.

Bud Craig has a 25-year background in social services and is retiring from his post as joint planning manager with Darlington Borough Council next month.

His previous involvement with the NHS involved working with Darlington Primary Care Group on children's services planning and on initiatives such as Sure Start, which supports families with children.

Mr Craig said: "I believe my experience in social services and my previous involvement with the NHS will help me make a valuable contribution to the trust's business."