THE chairmen of the region's new learning and skills councils have been appointed by Education and Employment Secretary David Blunkett.

Barry Morgan, recently retired MD of Rolls Royce Material Handling Ltd, has taken the position of chairman of the Northumberland LSC.

The position at Tyne and Wear LSC has gone to Ashley Winter, MD of Patterson and Co, the region's largest Ford dealership.

Olivia Grant, new chairman of County Durham LSC, has, among other positions, held the post of chief executive of Tyneside TEC since 1989.

And the new chairman of Tees Valley LSC is Miles Middleton, a retired senior partner with accountants Coopers and Lybrand.

The councils will tackle local skills shortages by meeting the needs of students, trainees and employers in the region.

They will be responsible for the planning and funding of all school sixth forms, colleges and training, up to higher education, in England, and will replace the Further Education Funding Council and the training functions of Training and Enterprise Councils.

Mr Blunkett said: "I am pleased that we have secured the talent and ability of so many well respected business people.

"Their expertise and connections within the North-East will be crucial in getting the work of the learning and skills councils off to a good start."