A NEW council officer has been appointed to head education in Darlington.

The new director of children's services for Darlington Borough Council has been confirmed as Murray Rose. He will take up the post in the new year, leaving his present role at City of York Council, where he has been assistant tirector of learning, culture and children's services since 2002.

Mr Rose said: "I am very much looking forward to this new challenge and delighted to have the chance to work with a council which, in partnership, strives to give young people the best possible start in life."

Chris McEwan, Darlington council's cabinet member for children's services, said: "I am very pleased to welcome Murray to Darlington. I am sure he will give real leadership to our drive to improve services for all children in the borough and I look forward to working with him."

Mr Rose will replace Margaret Asquith who is leaving to become director of children's services for Bolton Metropolitan Council.