THE property department at the Gateshead MetroCentre has welcomed two new members.

Ian Miller, of Gosforth, Newcastle, joins the company as assistant property manager and Carol Reed has taken up the position of secretary to the senior property manager.

Mr Miller, 26, joins MetroCentre from Ashley House, where he was a development surveyor, project managing the construction of GP surgeries and primary healthcare centres.

At the MetroCentre, he will continue to work towards becoming a chartered surveyor, while also dealing with lease renewals, rent reviews, new lets and property assignments.

Ms Reed, who lives in Prudhoe, Northumberland, joins MetroCentre after 17 years living in Cambridge, Germany, Belgium, Hampshire and Edinburgh.

She said: "It has been a challenge moving back to secretarial work having been my own boss for a while, but I am really enjoying being part of the team.

"Before working here, I never understood the complexities of running such a large shopping centre, but I am enjoying it very much and have settled in very quickly."