AN official has been appointed to improve community safety and the quality of life for people in Darlington.

Jane Brown has taken on the role as the first chief executive of the Darlington Partnership.

The partnership was set up to encourage economic regeneration in the town, but there are plans to expand its work to include crime, community safety and health issues.

Members of the partnership in the public, private and voluntary sector work together to promote Darlington and to encourage businesses to invest and expand in the area.

Mrs Brown, 36, from York, has resigned as director of the Safer York Partnership to take up the new post.

She said: "My current role has involved me dealing with crime initiatives, and before that I worked in health and social care, so I feel I have the right qualifications and experiences to lead Darlington forward.

"I have been finding out a lot about Darlington in recent weeks. There are already strong links between the two towns and there are very close to each other.

"In the past, the partnership has concentrated on the economic revitalisation of the town. Of course, that is important, but my role will be to encourage different groups to work together to improve the prosperity of the town in all areas for the benefit of local people."

The leader of Darlington Borough Council, Councillor John Williams, and Alasdair MacConachie, chairman of the partnership, welcomed Mrs Brown's appointment.

Mr MacConachie said: "We are delighted with the appointment. Jane has got some very good and interesting experiences that will help us to take the partnership forward."

Mrs Brown was chosen from 42 applicants for the role by a selection panel.

She will start working with the partnership at the beginning of July, but is hoping to attend board meetings later this month.

Members of the partnership will be at the House of Commons today to promote its work in the town.

Company representatives from Darlington will join them on a tour of the House of Commons and meet MP Alan Milburn.