Brighton and Hove social services supremo Jean Spray is stepping down after five years to take on a new job.

She has been appointed to chair Brighton and Hove City Primary Care Trust, the new health care body.

Coun Spray will remain a city councillor for Preston ward, at least until the next elections in May 2003.

Her Cabinet post will be taken by Gerry Kielty, lead councillor for adult services.

Coun Spray said: "This is a major opportunity for the Trust and the city as a whole to improve the health of everyone who lives here."

The primary care trust will start work on April 1. It will be responsible for the health of people in the city.

It will hold the NHS budget, steer the work of family doctors and ensure hospital services meet people's needs.

Coun Spray's new job is not likely to prove any less onerous than the old one.

She has had some big problems in Brighton and Hove including a financial crisis, two well publicised cases of child neglect, and a row over care of autistic children at Palmeira House in Hove.

However, the social care department has won widespread praise for its work in adoption and in dealing with children in care. It has also pioneered close links with the NHS.