A new chief executive has been appointed to lead Kent's trouble-hit ambulance service.

South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb) has announced Daren Mochrie will take on the role.

Mr Mochrie has almost 30 years' experience of working in the NHS in Scotland and is currently the director of service delivery for the Scottish Ambulance Service.

He was also the lead for ambulance provision in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow as well as being a specialist advisor with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), leading four recent CQC inspections of ambulance trusts in England.

His appointment comes after SECAmb was embroiled in scandal when it emerged the trust had deliberately delayed some ambulances responding to NHS 111 call-outs in order to meet targets under a secret policy.

This led to the departure of chairman Tony Thorne in March - who was replaced by Sir Peter Dixon - and chief executive Paul Sutton left by mutual agreement in May.

In September, it emerged the ambulance service was to be put into special measures after inspectors branded the trust inadequate.

SECAmb's poor emergency and urgent care came in for particular criticism, with the inspection team deeming it unsafe and badly led.

Dangers highlighted included a lack of reporting, understanding or learning from incidents, which were often not investigated properly.

In announcing Mr Mochrie's appointment, Sir Peter said: "I am delighted that we have been able to secure a new Chief Executive with Daren’s skills and experience and I’m confident he will provide the necessary leadership to support our recovery."

The trust said the interview panel were impressed with Mr Mochrie's breadth of knowledge and grasp of the challenges facing the trust.

He will take over from Geraint Davies who is currently acting chief executive of the trust. His start date is yet to be confirmed.

Sir Peter added: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank Geraint for the stability and focus that he has provided during this very difficult period for the Trust."