UK censor the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC)has named David Cooke as its new director.

He will take up the post in September when the currentdirector, Robin Duval, retires.

Cooke is currently Associate Political Director at theNorthern Ireland Office and has a wide experience of regulatory policy andpractice in broadcasting, drugs, immigration, and criminal justice.

Cooke said: "As a regular film-goer with along-standing interest in film and film criticism I am delighted to be bringingmy regulatory experience to the post of Director of the BBFC. It is vital for the classificationprocess to be independent, fair and open; to command public confidence; and tobe responsive to social concerns. "

Cooke joined the Civil Service in 1977 and has worked in theHome Office, the Cabinet Office and the Northern Ireland Office. He has held six Director-levelposts. In the Home OfficeBroadcasting Department between 1987 and 1990, David was responsible for policyon radio, cross-media ownership, broadcast programme standards andconstitutional issues. He helpedset up the Broadcasting Standards Council and Radio Authority and co-ordinatedthe White Paper Broadcasting: Competition, Choice and Quality and the Broadcasting Act 1990.