A MAN who began his career as a nurse with private healthcare company Castlebeck has been given responsibility for the operation of seven of its units in the Tees Valley.

PETER HARRISON has been made Tees Valley area manager with Castlebeck, which has its head office in Darlington.

The 43-year-old, originally from Sunderland, but now living in Chester-le-Street, is responsible for ensuring the smooth running of Castlebeck's units in Darlington, Hartlepool, Bishop Auckland and Barnard Castle.

Mr Harrison joined the company in 1991, working as a staff nurse in Whorlton Hall, Barnard Castle, County Durham, before becoming manager.

He also managed Castlebeck's autism centre, at Newbus Grange, near Darlington.