The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) NHS Foundation Trust has appointed Professor Stuart Corbridge as its new chair.

Professor Corbridge, who will start his role on November 22, has held senior leadership positions throughout his career, including vice chancellor and warden at Durham University, and provost and deputy director at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

He has also been a board member of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, the BALTIC Trust, and a director of The Russell Group.

He said: "It is a great privilege to be appointed to chair the North East Ambulance Service.

"This service delivers a vital part of the urgent and emergency care provided by the NHS and the public depends and relies on this, especially during vulnerable and worrying times in their lives.

"I am looking forward to joining a talented workforce; not just those on the frontline, but everyone who helps make this organisation tick."

Chief executive Helen Ray added: "We’re looking forward to welcoming Stuart to NEAS and supporting us to move our service to the next stage.

"He brings a strong track record of leadership combined with a passionate commitment to the North East region."