A former employee of leading North-East telecommunications company Executel has returned to the firm after a six-month absence.

MARCUS AYRES, 32, from Newcastle, previously worked for the Gateshead company as an account manager, but left last year to pursue his career with a competitor, selling mobile phone packages to businesses across the North-East and Scotland.

Managing director Tim Price said: "It is fantastic to welcome Marcus back to the Executel team. He has a sound knowledge of the telecommunications industry, a wealth of experience and his loyalty to the company is greatly appreciated. I wish him every success for the future."

Since its launch in 1997, Executel has supplied small and medium-sized businesses in the region with communication and customer relationship advice.

The company employs a workforce of 28 and has an extensive portfolio of clients including The Sage Gateshead, Baltic, One NorthEast, NCFE and architect Ryder HKS.