THE new director of Liverpool's FACT Centre was yesterday unveiled as a key player in London's cinema and arts world.

Gill Henderson, currently chief executive of the London Film and Video Development Agency, will take up her new role in April.

She said she was "honoured" to be leading FACT - the Foundation for Art and Creative Technology - into a new era in which it will develop itself as one of Liverpool's key cultural attractions.

Ms Henderson, 48, steps into the shoes of Eddie Berg, who launched the upmarket and hi-tech FACT centre in 2003, and is now due to take on a position as the artistic director of the National Centre of Moving Image in London.

The Newcastle-born arts expert told the Daily Post: "When I came to Liverpool in 2003 for the opening of the FACT Centre, I was really impressed by the building and the artworks, and was even a little envious of the people working in such a lively and creative environment.

"I never dreamed that two years later I would join them as new director. I am honoured to be taking this role at such an exciting time for FACT and Liverpool, and I'm relishing the challenge."

Ms Henderson has spent the last five years with the London Film and Video Development Agency, where she commissioned productions with the UK film Council, Carlton Television, the Arts Council and Channel 4.

Before moving to London, she worked as director of the Broadcast Media Centre in Nottingham, a cinema arts centre similar to FACT, renowned for its work with the East Midlands' arts and film making community. Ms Henderson is also currently a non-executive director of Hi8us Projects Limited and LUX.

Professor Drummond Bone, the incoming chairman of Liverpool's Capital of Culture Company, and chairman of the FACT Centre, who was on the interview panel, said: "The board of FACT and the Arts Council North West are very pleased to announce the appointment of Gill Henderson as the new director of FACT.

"She brings the skills and experience that FACT needs as it moves into its next stage of development at the cutting edge of new media arts."

Eddie Berg, who Ms Henderson replaces, said, "I've been fortunate enough to work with an amazingly talented, committed and spirited group of people at FACT.

"Together we've created something that we can all be proud of.

"The complementary qualities and skills that Gill brings to the team and the organisation will help FACT meet the opportunities and challenges ahead, building imaginatively on its special and unique cultural legacy.

"I wish her the best of luck." The FACT Centre was recently recognised in the Art05 Awards, with Eddie Berg receiving the "Individual Award for Outstanding Contribution to Arts in the North West". The centre also received a nomination in the Best Organisation category.