A LOCAL authority has appointed its replacement director in charge of children and family care services.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council announced it had appointed Kathryn Boulton as corporate director for children and families, following the announcement that current director Barbara Shaw will resign in September.

Ms Boulton, who has worked in senior children's services roles and education roles for Derbyshire County Council, Blackpool Council and Nottinghamshire County Council, will take on the responsibility of the council's key care services, which include care for vulnerable children, and improving education standards in the borough.

Speaking after the announcement, Ms Boulton said: "I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Redcar and Cleveland as the Corporate Director for Children and Families.

"I am very much looking forward to working with children and young people, their parents and carers, members, staff and partners to drive forward improvements to ensure we deliver improved outcomes and life chances for all.

“During the recruitment process, I was impressed by the clear and strong commitment of everyone I met to making a positive difference and it will be a privilege to be part of the team.”

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council leader, Mary Lanigan, said: “Providing a brighter future for our children and young people is at the heart of what we do as a Council and I look forward to welcoming Ms Boulton to Redcar and Cleveland later this year.”