A FORMER accountant and NHS fund manager has joined the board of Lancashire Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

Julie Kennedy, of Galgate, has taken up the new four-year post which she will combine with her job working as the principal officer for children and family social services with Bolton metropolitan council.

Ms Kennedy will also slot into the post on the non-executive board as well as carrying on her work as the independent chair of the continuing care review panel for Cumbria and Lancashire Strategic Health Authority.

"I am very excited by this new challenge. I am well aware of the excellent performance of our ambulance service and of the NHS to meet public expect-ations," she says.

She joins the board with Roger Clarkson, of Leyland, replacing Susan Pimbley and Sue Riley.