One of the Isle of Wight Council's highest-paying roles will be filled tomorrow (Thursday), as a new director of children's services is selected.

The authority has been on the hunt for a new boss for the department as it gears up to part ways with Hampshire County Council after ten years of partnership.

It received 13 applications from hopefuls looking to take on the challenging position.

The Island council is looking to build a whole new children's services department — dealing with education and children's welfare — which the person appointed would lead.

In the job advert it was said the council would build on strong foundations and create an independent service to be proud of.

Whoever the successful candidate may be, the Isle of Wight Council will pay them up to £117,850 a year.

The council's appointments and employment committee met last week to create a shortlist of candidates.

The 13 were whittled down to six and further technical interviews have been carried out.

The six candidates have since shrunk to four, with the remaining applicants being taken forward for formal interviews.

The committee will meet again tomorrow to make the final decision.

The council will split from Hampshire County Council at the end of January and has been working to buy back some services from the mainland.