NHS North Somerset has appointed a new director of health.

Becky Pollard has replaced Dr Max Kammerling who left the organisation at Christmas.

Mrs Pollard has considerable experience having worked as a public health specialist across the south west for the past nine years.

Chief executive Chris Born said: "It is great to have someone of Becky's calibre on board."

Mrs Pollard said: "I am really looking forward to working with all of our partner organisations to deliver the public health improvements we want for the people of North Somerset.

"We do have stretching targets but I have been really impressed by the commitment and professionalism of the team in NHS North Somerset with whom I anticipate delivering real health improvement."