A WOMAN who has secured a top role at Dorset Council says she's looking forward to making sure the needs of children and young people are at the heart of what the authority does.

Dorset Council has appointed Alison Montgomery as the new lead for children's social care as Corporate Director for Care and Protection.

She is currently the Head of Strengthening Families at the City of Wolverhampton Council. She has more than 17 years' experience of working with children and families, as well as 11 years' experience of working for the police.

Mrs Montgomery has worked in local authorities in England and Scotland and has also spent time with Children and Family Court Support and Advisory Service (CAFCAS).

Married with a 17-year-old son, Mrs Montgomery currently lives in Derbyshire. She will join the council in the spring.

She said: "This is a really exciting opportunity for me. It's great to be joining the new Dorset Council at a time when they're transforming the way they work to provide the best possible support for families. I'm looking forward to moving to Dorset and making sure the needs of children and young people are at the heart of what the council does."

Executive Director for People - Children, Sarah Parker, said: "I'm delighted that Alison will be joining the team here in Dorset. We're working hard to improve the lives of children and families, so it'll be great to have Alison share her knowledge and expertise with us."