A MARKETS boss has been chosen to lead a city forum for the coming year.

Colin Wilkes, who is managing director of the Durham Markets Company and has managed the Market Hall and the city’s weekly outdoor markets for more than 25 years, has been elected chair of Durham County Council’s Durham Area Action Partnership (AAP) for 2014-15.

He said: “Anyone who knows me or has come across me in business will know that I’m passionate about Durham, both the commercial and social elements, as well as the city itself and its inimitable character.

“I’m thrilled to be elected to lead the AAP for the coming 12 months.

“My aim is to encourage more people to get involved with the AAP, to give them the opportunity to have their say in decisions about this community.

“Anyone who lives or works in the Durham City AAP area is welcome to come along to the regular board meetings.”

The next Durham AAP board meeting will take place at Laurel Avenue Community Centre, Sherburn Road Estate, on Thursday, July 17, from 6pm to 8pm.

The AAP’s top priorities for the year are activities for young people, older people, support for the voluntary and community sectors, health and wellbeing and employment, enterprise, education and training.