A NORTH-EAST housing association has appointed the first female chairperson in its 97-year history.

Berni Whitaker is the new Chair-Elect at Darlington-based Railway Housing Association and officially takes up her role in July.

Until then, she is serving as a regular member of the Association’s Board.

The 54-year-old married mother of three, who currently works for Sunderland City Council as enterprise manager, will take over from Geoff Proudlock, who is standing down as chair after completing the maximum term of office for board members.

Ms Whitaker has spent most of her professional career working in economic development and regeneration.

She also has significant housing board member experience.

She said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as Chair-Elect and am very proud to know I will be the first female Chair in Railway Housing Association’s history.

“I have already been given a tour of some of the Association’s properties and I was very impressed with the good condition of their stock.

“I am looking forward to this new challenge and to leading the Association into its 100th year in 2019.”