A FORMER director of finance at NHS Blackburn with Darwen has been handed a new directorship in Manchester.

Malcolm Cowen, from Old Langho in the Ribble Valley, has been appointed non-executive director of Greater Manchester West Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust.

Mr Cowen, whose career spans a variety of private and public sector organisations, notably BOC Limited and Unilever, had previously managed a £210million budget as an area accountant for the National Offender Management Service and north west prisons.

Alan Maden, trust chairman, said: “I am delighted Malcolm has chosen to join Greater Manchester West.

"He will bring unique skills and expertise to the board and will undoubtedly support the other non-executives and myself in continuing to make GMW a successful organisation.”

The trust provides mental health and alcohol and drug services in Bolton, Salford and Trafford and a range of mental health services across the wider north west.