AN outspoken health supremo today vowed he would not be silenced despite being appointed a non-executive director of Burnley Health Care NHS Trust -- which runs the area's hospitals.

Frank Clifford, chairman of Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Community Health Council for the past eight years, said the new role did not mean he will compromised in any way.

He has been involved with the Community Health Council for 12 years and said he was extremely upset at having to leave but he will now take his place on the health board.

He added: "Please be assured that I shall continue with my usual determination to ensure that services are upliifted to meet the needs of the people. I have no choice but to leave the CHC after 12 years. This new position does not mean that I will be silenced.

Mr Clifford is also a Pendle Labour councillor, serving the Brierfield ward.

He has already taken up his new post and has been contracted for three and a half years. He said he did not know if his position would be affected when the trust merged with Blackburn Health Care NHS Trust in April.

As a non-executive, Mr Clifford will receive an honorarium of £5,140.