A FORMER murder detective, an accountant, and a drugs worker are among people's champions at a new East Lancashire health authority.

Six people have been appointed as non-executive directors at East Lancashire NHS Primary Care Trust, which formed on October 1.

The PCT is responsible for providing community services, and agreeing what other NHS services should be available, and covers Hyndburn, Ribble Valley, Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale.

Their role is to be the eyes and ears of the public for key PCT decisions.

Among the new members is Bob Huntbach, a former detective superintendent from Rossendale, who served with Lancashire Constabulary and Greater Manchester Police.

He worked as the senior officer on murder investigations and is a former constable in Whitworth.

Ian Clements has worked for the Home Office for its drugs programmes, and lives in Pendle.

Colne resident Mary Thomas is an officer for Age Concern, and has been a magistrate in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale for the last nine years.

David Joyce worked in further education, most recently at Blackburn College, before early retirement. He lives in Oswaldtwistle.

Accountant John Wilkinson was born in Padiham, and now lives in Burnley.

Natasha Hanson lives in Brockhall Village, Ribble Valley, and runs her own HR firm. They will serve two, or three-year terms, and be paid £7,500, apart from Mr Joyce who will receive £12,500 for being chairman of the audit committee.