NEW Borough treasurer is 40 year-old Dr David Smith.

Dr Smith has been in charge of finances at Ellesmere Port and Neston Council since 1995.

He will take up his post in September succeeding Philip Grayling, who has retired due to ill health.

Swansea-born Dr Smith is married to a teacher and has been closely involved in campaigns to ensure the north west gets a fair share of national funding.

After being selected Dr Smith said: "I look forward to the challenge and applying my skills in a much larger organisation with a national reputation for excellence.

"I would also like to pay tribute to my predecessor, I know Philip Grayling was well respected by ministers and civil servants."

Finance committee chairman Cllr Brian Street welcomed him: "I am delighted by the appointment. He is joining a first class team and we can be confident the authority's financial future is in good hands."

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