Irish-based oil and gas exploration firm Providence Resources has appointed Tullow Oil's Dr Angus McCoss as senior independent director.

Dr McCoss has sat on the Providence board since June last year, when he was appointed a non-executive director.

Pat Plunkett, chairman of Providence Resources, said the firm welcomed the appointment and was "confident" Dr McCoss would bring a wealth of experience to the board.

Dr McCoss is a director with Tullow Oil and also serves as the company's exploration director. He joined Tullow in 2006, and has extensive experience in exploration experience, previously working with Shell in Africa, Europe, China, South America and the Middle East.