Maidstone Borough Council's head of regeneration and economic development has left her post to join another local authority.

Dawn Hudd had been in the role since 2013.

She has now joined Medway Council as assistant director - physical and cultural regeneration.

In her place, Maidstone council has appointed John Foster, who had previously held the post of regeneration and economic development manager.

He joined the council’s economic development team in 2006.

His new role will see him assume responsibility for the likes of regeneration, economic development and inward investment, housing delivery, major capital projects, culture, tourism and leisure.

Cllr Martin Cox, leader of Maidstone Borough Council, said: “Over the past 12 years John has shown he is a great asset to Maidstone Borough Council. He has a huge amount of experience and has been central in driving through the regeneration of Maidstone.

"This is an exciting time for the borough as we continue to strengthen the collective drive for improvements to Maidstone as the county town of Kent. Economic development and regeneration is a key priority for the council and I have every expectation that Maidstone’s economic development will continue to go from strength to strength under John’s leadership.”

Dawn Hudd had joined Maidstone from Canterbury City Council in December 2013.

Cllr Cox added: “Dawn has been inspirational in leading on the development and implementation of our economic development strategy and she has been instrumental in driving forward major projects that are set to greatly improve this borough over the coming years.”