THE new chief executive of Darlington Borough Council took up her position on Monday.

Ada Burns, 45, the former neighbourhood renewal director in the London borough of Greenwich, was formally welcomed at a full council meeting.

She has spent the past 18 years working in housing in a variety of locations, including the public sector, and has been working for local government since 1991.

Ms Burns held posts as assistant director of housing in both Greenwich and Croydon with responsibility for policy, capital programmes and regeneration.

She said: "Darlington is a lovely place with superb access, quality public services and big ambitions.

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the council, its partners and the whole community in working to see these realised."