A director from a council that effectively declared bankruptcy less than two years ago has been appointed to a top job at County Hall.

Ian Wake, current executive director of adult and health at Thurrock Council in Essex, has been appointed to lead adult social services in Norfolk.

Mr Wake has been appointed as executive director of adult social services at Norfolk County Council - a job with an advertised salary of up to £163,000.

His appointment comes following the departure of James Bullion, whose secondment at the health watchdog Care Quality Commission was recently made permanent.

Since 2022, Debbie Barlett has been serving in the role on an interim basis, but Mr Wake will start in the role from October.

Alison Thomas, cabinet member for adult social care, said: "We're delighted to welcome Ian into this vital role of leading this department over the coming years.

"Ian brings excellent experience to the role and I look forward to working with him closely in the coming years.

"I would like to thank Debbie Bartlett for her brilliant leadership of the service while acting as interim director."

Mr Wake said: "I am delighted and incredibly excited to join Norfolk County Council and am really looking forward to meeting everyone and working alongside colleagues, elected members, partners and residents across the council and, indeed, the beautiful county of Norfolk."

Mr Wake began his career in West Kent and worked in several roles in public health across the NHS.

He joined Thurrock Council in 2015, originally as director of public health.

In September 2022, he began seven months as the council's acting chief executive.

During this period, the authority in Essex effectively declared bankruptcy, having racked up debts of £1.3bn.

He has been the organisation's director for adults, housing and health since March 2021.