BLACKBURN with Darwen Council's new chief executive has had her first day in the job.

Denise Park took over from outgoing chief executive, Harry Catherall, who left the council after 21 years - seven of them as chief executive.

Mr Catherall began his career as an apprentice accountant at his local council in Tameside aged 16.

He moved into management at Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, joining Blackburn with Darwen Council in 1997 as it prepared to be a unitary council. He had been chief executive since 2012.

His last working day at the council was Tuesday, with Ms Park stepping into Mr Catherall's shoes yesterday.

A council spokesman said: "Congratulations to Denise who has taken up the reins as our new chief executive.

"While she may be new to the job, Denise is a very familiar face at the council - having worked here for 21 years.

"In fact, she started on the very first day we became a unitary authority!

"Denise brings a huge wealth of experience and expertise to the role - having served for the last three years as deputy chief executive.

"So, while there's a new chief executive at the helm, it's very 'business as usual' right across all services."