A FORMER culture and regeneration director of Brighton and Hove Council has joined York council as interim director of City and Environmental Services.

Sarah Tanburn has also worked in New Zealand helping restructure hospital services after devastating earthquakes, and for councils in the London Borough of Brent, Merton, and Southend-on-Sea.

City of York Council announced her interim appointment to fill the post vacated by Darren Richardson until a permanent replacement can be found.

A council spokesman said Ms Tanburn would stay in post for about a year to oversee the Local Plan process.

Chief executive Kersten England said: “Sarah brings much relevant experience from both private and public sectors and I look forward to her sharing her expertise with us.”