WARRINGTON Borough Council has appointed a new director of public health.

Dr Muna Abdel Aziz has been working in the role on an acting basis since May, and has now been confirmed on a permanent basis.

She will work to tackle alcohol and substance misuse, smoking and obesity in the town and will look to improve mental health.

Dr Abdel Aziz said: “I am delighted to be appointed to this position and I look forward to continuing to work with colleagues and partners to reduce health inequalities in Warrington.

“We are a growing borough with a strong economy – if we are to ensure everyone benefits from this growth it’s vital that we protect and improve local people’s health.

“I’m confident that by working together we can continue to build healthier futures for all our communities.”

Beginning her career in public health in 1992, Dr Abdel Aziz has been hailed as a specialist in the subject in the UK and Sudan.

She first joined Warrington Borough Council as a consultant in November 2013.

Executive board member for public health and wellbeing Cllr Maureen McLaughlin said: “We’re delighted to confirm Muna’s appointment to this important role.

“She has been an excellent public health director on an interim basis and we look forward to her continuing to help us drive forward Warrington’s public health agenda in the years to come.

“Muna brings a wealth of experience to the post and the range of work she has done both here and abroad means she is exceptionally well-placed to help us deliver better health for local people.”