David Hill has been named as the new chief executive of South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils, to replace David Buckle when he retires later this year.

Mr Hill is chief executive at Humber NHS Foundation Trust and has 18 years of local government experience, including working as a strategic director at South Oxfordshire District Council from 2004 to 2007.

Mr Hill said: "There is a huge programme ahead and I am really excited about leading a great team of staff and supporting both sets of councillors."

SODC leader John Cotton said: David will be joining the councils at a very exciting time for local government in the county."

Vale of White Horse District Council leader Matthew Barber added: "We interviewed a very strong field of candidates, but David stood out as having the passion needed to not only continue delivering excellent and efficient services for our residents, but also to help us drive the change local government in the whole of Oxfordshire needs. 

"I am very much looking forward to working with him."

Mr Buckle joined SODC as chief executive in 2000 and eight years later became joint chief executive when the the two councils began shared working arrangements.