North Yorkshire’s director of public health, who has been at the forefront of the county’s coronavirus response, is leaving.

Dr Lincoln Sargeant will take up a new post as director of public health in Torbay, Devon.

Louise Wallace, assistant director for health and integration in North Yorkshire, will succeed him on an interim basis on Saturday, while retaining her current role.

Ms Wallace was the director of public health for Hartlepool from 2012 to 2017.

North Yorkshire County Council, which announced the news today, said in a statement Dr Sargeant had been instrumental in establishing the county’s public health service since the transfer of responsibilities from the NHS to local government in April 2013.

Read more:

• Covid rate rises again in Harrogate district
• Two further covid deaths reported at Harrogate Hospital

Louise Wallace.

Richard Webb, the county council’s director of health and adult services, added:

“Lincoln has worked hard in providing public health leadership and expertise as we respond to the covid pandemic.

“Louise takes on this role at a critical time for public health. At this stage in the pandemic we must maintain our resolve and support for people in reducing the infection rate.”