The top two people in charge of a £175 million budget for Bradford's council homes have been appointed.

Geraldine Howley will be Group Chief Executive and Derrick Palmer is the Group Finance Director of the new housing organisation Brad-ford Community Housing Trust.

The BCHT and six local trusts take over the ownership and management of council homes early in the new year, after tenants voted in favour of transfer.

Ms Howley is currently Bradford Council's Director of Housing and has 25 years' experience in development and housing management posts in both the social housing and private housing sectors.

She said: "Having been involved in the transfer process from the very beginning, I am extremely pleased to be given this opportunity to help turn the proposals into reality for tenants.

"The £175 million investment programme will improve and modernise tenants' homes. I'm proud to be playing a part in this process."

Mr Palmer is a qualified accountant. He has 35 years' experience working as a finance director and general manager with local authorities, Severn Trent Water and the RSA Examinations Board.

Martin Smith, Chairman of the BCHT Group, said: "The funds from the Nationwide Building Society will ensure that the quality of the BCHT housing will improve significantly within the first five years of the new Trust."