The first ethnic minority chief officer of a northern community health council has been appointed in Bradford.

Jamil Rehman, 32, of Heaton, takes over the reigns of the health watchdog from Lesley Sterling-Baxter, who is leaving after 11 years to work for North Bradford Primary Care Trust as an assistant director with special responsibility for patient empowerment and consumer development.

"I am sad to be leaving, but pleased to have the opportunity to continue my work for patients in the health service," she said.

Mr Rehman, a father-of-two, who previously worked as a team manager for sales at T-Mobile in Skipton, said he had become interested in health services after doing voluntary work.

"My main area of concern is the drugs problem in the Bradford area," he said.

"I was brought up in the Manningham and Heaton areas and I am aware of the effects of drugs on society. I want to see services improved and people from these communities getting involved in work in this field."

Mr Rehman said he also hoped to encourage people from ethnic minorities to aim for management roles in the health service.

Other changes at the top in the CHC include the departure of chairman Karl Dallas, who will be replaced by former vice-chairman Les Vasey. He will be aided by vice-chairman Munir Ahmed and Lynne Asquith.

Bradford CHC will continue its work on behalf of patients until next year when it will be abolished by the Government.

Its work monitoring the quality of local healthcare services will be taken over by Bradford Council's new health overview and scrutiny committee. Patient forums and the complaints system will be dealt with by the new Patient Advice Liason Service. To contact the CHC office call (01274) 392762.