TORBAY'S health watchdog is advertising for a chairman with a salary of more than £34,000 for a three-day week.

Torbay Care Trust provides health and social services for 140,000 people in the Bay with a budget of £300million and 1,400 staff.

Former chairman Terry Nickels stood down late last year and in the meantime Carole Schneider is acting chairman.

The trust is offering the £34,000 salary for a three to three and a half day working week.

It says the successful candidate will have strategic vision and skills, including financial acumen, performance management, relationship-building and inspirational leadership.

A spokesman for the trust said: "As the only integrated health and social care trust in the South West and one of a very small number nationally, the Torbay Care Trust remains at the forefront of a developing NHS.

"The new chairman of the care trust will have a critical role designing the shape of services and ensuring they are developed around the needs of the Bay communities.

"This is undoubtedly a challenging role, but one which will also be exciting and rewarding for the right person. We're looking forward to meeting some dynamic candidates, from the local area and beyond, who have the vision to lead the evolution of health and social care in the Bay."

The new chairman will be accountable to the Government through the Strategic Health Authority, ensure the development of strategies to improve health, hold the chief executive to account, play a key role in partnerships and provide leadership.

The trust says preference will be given to candidates who live in the area.

The closing date for applications is July 13.