A NEW managing director has been appointed to Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council.

Michelle Morris, who has previously held senior management positions in Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Swansea councils and is currently deputy chief executive at Highland Council in Scotland, has been appointed to the role.

She will take up her new position, which is also head of paid service, in mid-October.

Ms Morris said: "I am delighted to be moving back to Wales to take up this exciting position at Blaenau Gwent and am really looking forward to getting started and working with members and officers at the council.

"Collaborating with partners and other local authorities is going to be an important part of the role and I also look forward to working with colleagues to make this happen, for the benefit of the people of Blaenau Gwent."

Council leader Cllr Nigel Daniels said: "We are pleased to attract a candidate of Michelle’s calibre to work with us in Blaenau Gwent.

"She has a strong track record and brings a wealth of experience to the new role.

"This is a key appointment which is critical in guiding the council in the coming months and years.

"I’m sure she will make a significant impact in the delivery of council services as we face hugely challenging times for local government, we look forward to working with her and wish her every success in her new position."

An interim head of paid service has been in place since February 2016.