ONE of the region's biggest mental health and learning disabilities services has appointed a new chief executive.

Colin Martin will lead the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV) from May 1, 2016, after current chief executive, Martin Barkley, retires at the end of April after eight years with the Trust.

TEWV provides mental health and learning disability services in County Durham, Darlington, the Tees Valley and most of North Yorkshire.

Mr Martin is currently the Trust’s deputy chief executive and director of finance and has more 25 years of experience working in the NHS and local government.

He said: "I am looking forward to getting started in my new role and building upon the excellent work that is already happening at the Trust.

“The NHS has seen many challenges over the last few years and one of the big strategic issues we face is making sure the Trust remains sustainable, whilst meeting the growing and changing needs of the communities we serve.

“I am committed to continuing to develop and strengthen the services we provide for some of the most vulnerable people in our society."

Lesley Bessant, Trust chairman, said Mr Martin was an outstanding candidate whose wealth of experience, both at TEWV and from other organisations, will help the Trust deliver high quality mental health and learning disability provision for the communities its serves.