Cumbria County Council has appointed a new executive director for its economy and infrastructure department.

Angela Jones, who has been acting director for the economy and infrastructure directorate since December last year has now been officially placed in the role on a permanent basis.

Mrs Jones will be taking the lead on several significant projects in which the county council is involved, including the multi-million Borderlands growth deal.

Having spent the past 20 years working for a number of local authorities, Mrs Jones took the lead on the council's response to the damage caused by Storm Desmond in 2015.

She said she was "delighted" to have been appointed to the role on a permanent basis.

"It’s a very exciting and challenging time to be at the council and leading this directorate," she said.

"I have such a great team of people around me and together we will work with partners, communities and businesses to help our economy to grow, to secure investment into the county and to improve the lives of the people of Cumbria.

Katherine Fairclough, chief executive of the county council said: “I am delighted with Angela’s appointment to this role.

"She joined Cumbria County Council in 2009 as head of service, progressing to assistant director in 2014.

"She is an exceptional leader and has overseen significant change during her time with us.

"I am confident that with her skills and experience she will enable and lead the continued improvement of our services.”

Cllr Stewart Young, Leader of Cumbria County Council added: “I know I speak for the whole of cabinet when I say we are delighted with this appointment. "Angela has already added so much during her time as acting director and we are all looking forward to working closely with her on a permanent basis.”