A new director of public health has been appointed at the county council.

Dr Louise Smith, 45, will replace outgoing interim director Lucy Macleod, who retires on August 14.

Dr Smith joins from Hertfordshire County Council, where she is currently the deputy director of public health.

She has had almost 20 years of experience across local government and the NHS, and will start on October 1.

Dr Smith has worked in numerous roles within public health which includes acting as the Scottish Government's senior medical advisor for women's and children's health.

In her early career she was an obstetrician and a geneticist.

She is a qualified doctor and has a PhD (Research Doctorate in Molecular Genetics) which she gained at the University of Edinburgh.

Dr Smith said: 'I'm really excited about coming to Norfolk. I'm looking forward to putting into practice the experience I've already gained as well as learning new things.

'I was born and raised in Edinburgh but spent some of my time training in Suffolk, so I have been to the region before. Norfolk has a reputation for having beautiful countryside so I'm looking forward to being able to explore it over time.'

Anne Gibson, executive director of resources at the county council, said: 'We carried out a rigorous and comprehensive search and selection process and we were extremely impressed by Louise.

'We are delighted to have someone of her calibre joining us in Norfolk.

'Her extensive experience will be invaluable.'

Lucy Macleod said she was sad to be leaving.

'Family responsibilities mean I wouldn't have been able to commit to the job as much as I would have liked to in the future.

'The role is challenging but certainly one that I have thoroughly enjoyed and I wish Louise all the best.'