THE Bere Alston Regeneration Partnership Beregen has welcomed a new member to its team.

Beregen, which is responsible for recent building developments at Bere Alston Parish Hall, has appointed Carole Cowell as its new project officer.

The post, which initially lasts for a year, will ensure the new annexe and old hall is put to maximum use for the benefit of the local community.

Carole was appointed after a rigorous selection process, having run a similar project in Buckfastleigh a few years ago.

Beregen trustee Sara Pike said: 'BEREGEN is about more than just a building, we really want to help regenerate the area. To this end, not only will Carole be looking to increase the lettings and business of the hall and annexe, but also investigating sources of funding for a business support worker.

'There are a lot of individual, usually creative based businesses on the peninsula that will need all the free help they can get to keep themselves in business over the next few years.

'We are also still looking for funds for the IT side of the project. Carole's going to be very busy!'

Beregen recently received a cheque for £5,000 from the Garfield Weston Foundation, following the group's application for funds to help with its regeneration aims.