HALTON Housing has appointed a new chief operating officer.

Nicole Kershaw has been handed the role, having joined the housing association on an interim basis in June.

She has since become a 'key figure in leading the approach to housing and customer services' at Halton Housing.

Group board chairman Ingrid Fife said: "I am delighted that Nicole will be joining us on a permanent basis.

"This newly created role will ensure the continued successful delivery of our direction and the priorities that underpin this.

"In addition to overseeing the delivery of our customer facing services, Nicole will also drive the delivery of our transformational Customeyes project."

Nicole has previously worked in the private sector and in social housing, at organisations including the Guinness Partnership.

She added: "I am delighted to be joining Halton Housing and am excited about helping to lead the organisation forward in fulfilling its vision of improving people’s lives."