THE new chief executive of Bradford, Kersten England, will start work in the summer after her appointment was ratified by councillors.

Ms England, who will command a salary of £178,476, will join the authority from City of York Council where she is chief executive.

Bradford Council leader David Green said: "Kersten joins us at an exciting time. We have built some very strong partnership arrangements across the district. We have a collective ambition to build on the progress we’re making in regeneration, supporting the local economy and delivering more integrated services, despite increasing demand and big public sector cuts.”

Ms England (pictured) said: "I’m really excited about the prospect of working with Bradford’s elected councillors and the Council’s management team, staff and representatives of partner agencies to build on the good work that’s being done here, and find new and innovative ways to tackle the challenging issues.”