A new senior coroner for Cumbria has been appointed.

Kally Cheema will take on the county's top post from the current senior coroner David Roberts upon his retirement in May next year.

The appointment follows a formal recruitment process and agreement by the Chief Coroner, Ministry of Justice and Lord Chancellor.

Ms Cheema is currently the area coroner and deputy coroner in Cumbria.

Prior to her current role in Cumbria, she was a team manager in the HM Court Services Legal Team, followed by appointments as Assistant Coroner in various coronial areas, as well as a three-year posting as HM Coroner and Magistrate for the British overseas territory of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Ms Cheema is also a course leader within the Judicial Training College, and has sat on the Independent Police and Crime Commissioner Misconduct Hearing Panel.

Ms Cheema said: "I am absolutely thrilled and delighted to have been appointed Senior Coroner for Cumbria.

"I have been extremely fortunate to have worked alongside David Roberts, and I hope to continue to build upon his excellent work and commitment to ensure that my office and I provide the best coronial service to the people of Cumbria."