The man responsible for the expansion of the light rail network in Melbourne has agreed to take up the position of Metrolink director in Manchester.

Philip Purdy has been hired by the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) to oversee improvements to the existing Metrolink network.

He will also be in charge of the £600 million expansion to Oldham, Rochdale, Droylsden, Chorlton and the mediacity:uk site at Salford Quays.

Mr Purdy, who has 30 years' of transport sector experience, said: "It's a very exciting time to be joining the Metrolink team.

"Manchester is a world-class city and I'm looking forward to being able to provide a tram system that matches that."

According to the GMPTE, the new Metrolink extensions will double the size of the current network.

A recent Ipsos Mori poll revealed that 89 per cent of Greater Mancunians were satisfied with the Metrolink services.