A LOCAL council has appointed its first football development officer.

David Burns has joined Hartlepool Borough Council to take up the role with its sports development team.

The 25-year-old, who comes from County Durham, was previously football development officer for the North Riding County Football Association, managing football development programmes from Middlesbrough to York.

He has a masters degree in sport and exercise from the University of Teesside and has also worked for Middlesbrough and Chester-le-Street's sports development teams.

As well as improving opportunities for people of all ages to take part in football, he will use the sport to help tackle a range of issues, such as health and fitness, unemployment and crime.

"I'm looking forward to working with people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to help them get the most from football," said Mr Burns.

"Because it's so socially inclusive, football is also an excellent tool for helping tackle a wide range of social and other issues.

"For example, it's great for improving people's health and fitness, but it can also be used as an incentive to get people involved in employment, education or anti-crime initiatives, or to strengthen community links. I'll be working towards all these goals."

The role is funded by Hartlepool's New Deal for Communities initiative, the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, the Football Foundation and Hartlepool council.