A TEESSIDE regeneration group has appointed a new manager to oversee its work in the region.

John Ford will be responsible for the day-to-day running of North Hartlepool Partnership.

The group is spearheading the multi-million pound regeneration of the town's Headland area in a ten-year programme up to 2007.

Mr Ford, 43, who comes from Jarrow, Newcastle, takes over from Richard Spencer who has been interim manager for the past six months.

He has worked for Sunderland City Council for the past 11 years.

He said: "I'm delighted to be joining the North Hartlepool Partnership.

"A lot has already been achieved on the Headland and I will enjoy taking the partnership's ongoing projects through to conclusion.

"I hope the partnership's work will be a catalyst for attracting further investment into the area long after the partnership comes to an end.