A NORTH YORKSHIRE woman has been appointed the new chairwoman of the North East Rail Passengers' Committee.

Christine Knights, of Easingwold, is to be the new head of the rail watchdog, which looks after and champions the interests of commuters.

A regular rail user, Christine is a consumer policy and consumer organisation development consultant.

She was previously the programmes manager at Consumers International in Europe.

Her appointment was announced by Transport Minister John Spellar, who said: "Christine brings with her valuable knowledge of consumer rights and policy."

Updated: 10:54 Friday, January 24, 2003