The chief executive of the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) has announced her retirement.

Helen Ray will retire at the end of March 2025 after 42 years in the NHS.

She began her career in 1983, training as a nurse, and held a professional registration for 30 years.

Ms Ray joined NEAS in 2019 from Northumbria Healthcare, where she has been the chief operating officer since July 2018.

She said: "I’ve had an amazing career, and it is a privilege to be ending my career as CEO of the North East Ambulance Service, having spent the past five years here.

"It has been a rollercoaster, but I’ve enjoyed it immensely."

During her tenure at NEAS, Ms Ray led 'significant investment' to improve the service, managed the Covid-19 pandemic response, and addressed scrutiny over service quality and safety.

She said: "I know NEAS will continue to go from strength to strength and I will retain a sense of pride whenever I see one of the vehicles out and about safe in the knowledge that if my family need them, they will receive the very best care."

Peter Strachan, chairman of NEAS, said: "A career spanning 42 years of public service is a remarkable achievement and one for which she can be as deeply proud, as we are grateful."