A BANK manager has been selected for a new role helping bring people in her home town together.

Vicky Barraclough, branch manager of the Halifax in Chester-le-Street, has been chosen as one of 70 Community Ambassadors for the bank around the country.

As well as continuing with her day-to-day job, the 26-year-old will encourage local people to take part in the good causes supported by the Halifax, including the Big Lunch, Giving Extra Awards, and Home-Start volunteering schemes.

Ms Barraclough said: “It was lovely to be picked out, and I think one of the reasons was because of my enthusiasm.

“I like to think I can give all my energy to something like this and really influence the end results.

“To be given time within your work to be able to help out is absolutely fantastic”.

Several fancy dress events have already been organised in the Front Street branch, along with baking events to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Disease charities.

She added: “it’s funny how when you start doing just one thing, lots of other fundraising opportunities start to come about.”