FORMER deputy coroner Anne Hind has been appointed Her Majesty's County Coroner for Blackpool and The Fylde District, Blackpool Borough Council has announced.

Mrs Hind takes over the role which was held by the late Samuel George Lee, who died last October.

She is based at the offices of John Budd & Co, a solicitors on Church Street, Blackpool, where she is a partner, and where the Coroner's Office is also housed.

Though appointed by local councils, coroners are independent judicial officers whose role includes holding inquests into causes of death.

Mrs Hind said: "I am delighted at my appointment. The illness and death of the late Sammy Lee was a cause of deep sadness, but we will remember him with great admiration and affection.

"Having been HM Deputy Coroner since 1989 I am privileged to continue serving the communities of Blackpool and The Fylde."

Blackpool Council leader, Cllr Roy Fisher, added: "Members were delighted to appoint Mrs Hind as coroner. Not only does she have the sound knowledge of legislation that's required for the responsible role, she is a real people's person who brings compassion to the post."

Local solicitor Michael Woosnam has been appointed HM Deputy Coroner for the district.