KIRKLEES councillor Molly Walton has been appointed as the new chairman of the board for Calderdale and Kirklees Careers Service Partnership.

The Partnership - based in High Street, Huddersfield - provides careers advice for teenagers and adults as well as arranging work experience placements.

Clr Walton, who has been a member of the board since the company was formed in 1995, said she was delighted to have been appointed as chairman.

"The partnership is highly regarded as being one of the best in the country, having gained the prestigious charter mark awarded by the Government for excellence in providing public services," she said.

"The careers partnership plays a key role in co-ordinating and integrating services at a time when there has been a lot of Government investment in promoting and supporting the importance of the careers service."

The board includes directors nominated by Kirklees and Calderdale councils, Huddersfield University and Business Link for West Yorkshire.

Clr Walton's appointment follows the retirement from the board of the previous chairman, Jack Dodds, who had held the post for four years.