A GROUP that is leading multi-million pound improvements in Hartlepool has welcomed a new member to its board.

Andrew Bayston, who is headteacher of St Hild's Church of England School in the town, has been appointed to the board of the North Hartlepool Partnership.

Hull-born Mr Bayston, 48, has more than 25 years' teaching experience in the North-East, including several years' involvement with school-based community learning provision.

The North Hartlepool Partnership is using money from regional development agency One NorthEast and is targeting resources to revitalise the Headland in a programme of activity up to 2007.

In this financial year, the partnership is channelling more than £2.3m into the area, which in turn is expected to attract an extra £4.4m of investment from the public and private sectors.

The creation of a town square, a sports hall, a Headland story trail and a host of environmental improvements are just a few of the projects the partnership is working on.

Mr Bayston said: "I am very pleased indeed to join the partnership. I am looking forward to increasing my understanding of the Headland community and its needs, and using my experience to help the partnership build on and sustain the excellent work it has done so far.

"I hope my experience of working with young people will be of benefit to the partnership."