THE North-East Assembly has appointed a chief executive.

It announced yesterday that Jo Boaden, director of the Bridging NewcastleGateshead project, will take up the role early next year.

Assembly chairman Alex Watson said the high-profile position was advertised nationally and received a large number of applications.

He said: "The decision to appoint Jo was unanimous and I am sure she will be a tremendous asset, not just for the assembly, but also for the region as a whole."

The role of the assembly includes producing the Regional Spatial Strategy and scrutinising development agency One NorthEast

Mr Watson said: "We determine where jobs, homes and all the other facilities for the well-being of people in the North-East will go for decades to come.

"Also, we ensure that large sums of public money channelled through One NorthEast are being effectively spent."

Ms Boaden, who has worked in the region for five years and lives in Gateshead, said: "I know that assembly members are hugely ambitious for the organisation and for the region itself to redress the inequalities that currently exist.

"It is a personal ambition to make a difference for all of the people in the North-East and I am really looking forward to taking up my duties towards the turn of the year."