Active Northumberland has appointed Mark Tweedie – former chief executive of Active Tameside – as its new CEO.

The charitable trust, which manages leisure services on behalf of Northumberland County Council, was launched in 2013 and currently operates 16 leisure centres.

Tweedie, a founding member of GM Active, the association of Greater Manchester leisure trusts, took his post up this month. He began his career as a PE lecturer before moving into sports development and leisure service management.

“I know Northumberland County Council and Active Northumberland are committed to a strong and long lasting partnership with a progressive vision to promote health, wellbeing and active lifestyles to all sectors of the community," Tweedie said.

“I'm really excited about the future, the challenges and the huge opportunities ahead.”

David Hall, chair of the Active Northumberland board, added: "We had a thorough, competitive and transparent recruitment process during which Mark really stood out and demonstrated that he has the skills and experience that we have been looking for to lead the Trust forward."