MARGARET WHITE has been appointed to lead Sunderland Housing Group's Care and Support Services.

She takes over the new operation of Sunderland Housing Group, which will focus on the way vulnerable people are supported.

She was previously head of strategy and support services for Houghton and Hetton Housing Company.

Ms White joined Sunderland Housing Group in 2002 from the voluntary sector, where she was providing supported housing in community-based services for a range of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.