A deputy director of environment has been appointed to play a key role in building on Hampshire County Council's strong national and international reputation on planning and transport issues.

David Tarrant, currently deputy county surveyor and head of transportation at the County Council, has joined the new director of environment Alison Quant who joined the authority in September. The rest of the management team will be appointed shortly.

Alison, David and the management team will provide leadership for the Environment Department as it meets one of the county council's key corporate aims: stewardship of the environment.

David brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He began his working career as a graduate engineer at the County council, having gained a degree in civil engineering at Portsmouth Polytechnic. He was appointed deputy county surveyor in 1993.

Married with two children, David said: "I'm very much looking forward to my new role as deputy director, and to working with Alison to maintain the county council's excellent reputation. We have a first class team.''