Herefordshire’s director of public health is leaving the county for a new job back in her hometown of Dudley.

Karen Wright said it had been a real privilege to serve the county over the last few years and praised her ‘fantastic’ team.

However, from January she will be working at Dudley Council serving the community she grew up in.

Herefordshire Council chief executive Alistair Neill thanked her for her work in leading the service locally.

“Our Director of Public Health, Karen Wright, will be leaving us for a role with Dudley Council at the end of the year,” Mr Neill said.

“I’d like to thank Karen for leading Herefordshire’s Public Health service, especially for the response throughout the pandemic in which we have successfully contained local outbreaks, including the outbreak on Rook Row farm.

“I wish her well for her return to the place she considers home and for the future at Dudley Council.”

Karen Wright, Director of Public Health for Herefordshire, added: “It has been a real privilege to serve the community of Herefordshire and work with the most amazing people.

“Herefordshire has a fantastic Public Health team, who have both the expertise and experience to continue to respond to the pandemic effectively, working with colleagues from across the council and wider partnerships.

“I was born in, grew up in, and have spent most of my life in Dudley and my extended family live in the borough.

“It will be an honour to go back and serve my own community.”