THE new chairman of the city council's health committee has been named.

Councillor Anthony Simmonds has taken over from Councillor Alby Walker as chairman of Stoke-on-Trent City Council's health overview and scrutiny committee.

The switch came after Mr Walker, the former British National Party group leader, left to become a non-aligned councillor.

Weston and Meir North councillor Mr Simmonds was voted on to the authority in 2006 and is the deputy leader of the eight-strong BNP group.

He is also vice-chairman of the administration and appeals committee.