A train operator which serves lines through East Lancashire has appointed a new managing director.

Tricia Williams has taken up her new role at Northern.

After joining Northern in 2020 as chief operating officer, she succeeds Matt Rice, who has assumed her former post.

She brings executive experience at Manchester Airports Group and 20 years at United Utilities Group.

Former chief operating officer at Network Rail, Matt Rice, also embarks on his new adventure leading all Northern service and engineering functions.

His responsibilities extend to managing 2,500 services daily to more than 500 stations across the North.

Tricia Williams said: "After three great years as chief operating officer, it's an absolute honour to be taking on the managing director role from this week.

"I know we have big challenges ahead of us but Northern is in a strong position and Matt and the rest of the director leadership team are committed to creating an inclusive culture, improving performance and our customer experience."

Mr Rice added: "I am looking forward to working with Tricia and my colleagues across the region to deliver for our customers.

"I have spent my career focused on making things better and I am committed to fostering a positive workplace culture for all and delivering great rail services for people across the North of England."

In his new function, Mr Rice will be supported by three regional directors.

Craig Harrop oversees operations in the North West, Kerry Peters is responsible for Yorkshire, East Midlands and Humberside, and Jason Wade recently took on the North East role.