AN overhaul of council portfolio holders has been announced in Darlington.

Council leader, Councillor John Williams, reshuffled his cabinet's positions at Thursday's full council meeting.

Coun Williams said: "These new cabinet portfolios will help the council do its business in a more focused way.

"We will relate better to the core business of the Darlington Partnership and be able to work better with our other partners."

The changes were made for various reasons, including to make it easier for residents to understand positions and to reflect a change in council arrangements.

The names have been changed for the first time since 2000.

Veronica Copeland and Jenny Chapman take up the new positions for sustainable environment and climate change and communities and engagement, respectively.

Bill Dixon moves from community and public protection to neighbourhood services and community safety, Stephen Harker from consumer and environmental services to resources, Nick Wallis from highways and transport to health and leisure, and David Lyonette from economic regeneration to transport.

Chris McEwan and Bryan Thistlethwaite are still portfolio holders for children's services and adult services, respectively.

Coun Williams will also be responsible for economy.