THE new man in charge of Lancashire County Council has pledged to improve the quality of life for the people it serves.

Ged Fitzgerald has been appointed the council's new chief executive after the £190,000 appointment was agreed at a full council meeting at County Hall yesterday.

The 46-year-old, who will replace retiring Chris Trinick at the helm, was previously chief executive of Sunderland City Council.

Mr Trinick will retire at the end of May and council bosses say his successor will be in place in "early June".

Mr Fitzgerald said: "I am delighted to lead such an ambitious and excellent organisation. Lancashire has great potential and the county council is in an excellent position to improve the quality of life and the opportunities available to residents and its communities."