FORMER international athlete Andrew Kerr has been appointed the new chief executive of Wiltshire Council.

The 50-year-old father of three is due to take over from Dr Keith Robinson in the New Year on a salary of up to £189,000.

Currently in charge of North Tyneside District Council, he has held senior posts at the Audit Commission, Birmingham City Council and Caerphilly County Borough Council.

He has won recognition for helping North Tyneside to a place in the top 10 percent of improving councils in England.

During his tenure the borough moved up from 80th to 102nd most deprived area in the country.

After his appointment was announced he said: "I am joining Wiltshire at an important moment in its history.

"It is a vibrant new council with a determination to succeed and deliver high quality low-cost services for local people. I am delighted to be joining them on that journey."

Council leader Jane Scott said: "We had a number of excellent candidates for this highly demanding and responsible job but Andrew was outstanding.

"I know that he has a passion and commitment to deliver those things that are important to the residents of Wiltshire and I look forward to working with him to make this council a flagship unitary authority for the rest of the country."

She also paid tribute to Dr Robinson, former chief executive of Wiltshire Council who took on the role of interim chief of the new unitary authority.

She said he had "worked tirelessly during the creation of the new authority and its early successes and I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to Keith for his hard work and dedication."

ends