THE company in charge of a £1.5bn regeneration programme has made a new appointment.

Tees Valley Regeneration has taken on chartered surveyor Neil Graham as project director.

The 42-year-old has joined the company from regional development agency One NorthEast. He will oversee the development of Haughton Road, in Darlington, and Teesside Airport.

Haughton Road is a 75-acre site close to the town's railway station. The project will revitalise the area by creating office and residential property to bring investment and jobs.

Tees Valley Regeneration is working in partnership with English Partnerships, One NorthEast and the borough council.

At Teesside International Airport, the company hopes to develop a 250-acre business park.

Mr Graham is chairman of Lanchester Cricket Club, near Consett, County Durham. He is married and has a 12-year-old daughter.