Former BBC Radio Newcastle presenter Julia Hankin has been appointed the new marketing manager at Centre of Life in Newcastle.

Though previously a marketing manager with Durham Business School, Hankin is better known as the presenter of the weekday Afternoon Show on BBC Radio Newcastle, and as a regular contributor to the regional TV series Inside Out .

Commenting on her new position, Hankin says: “I’ve loved my time with the BBC, but after 14 years, I’m ready for a new challenge. I’ve been a huge fan of the Centre for Life ever since it opened in 2002. I love the fact that it brings science alive for people of all ages.”

Hankin will be in charge of a team of five, responsible for all marketing, sales, advertising and public relations for the Centre of Life.

Hankin replaces Ian McGregor, who left the centre earlier this year.