A NEW man has been appointed to help deliver a multi-million pound project designed to enhance the River Tees corridor.

The £3.7m River Tees Rediscovered Partnership scheme, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, aims to enhance and celebrate the culture, heritage and environment, of the area.

Groundwork North East & Cumbria has appointed Tom Watson as partnership manager to pilot the project which will celebrate the river’s pivotal role in the physical and cultural development of the region through a series of community programmes and activities, heritage skills-training and conservation projects.

In his new role, he will be responsible for developing partnerships and relationships with communities, organisations and business to drive environmental change and economic growth in the Tees Valley area.

“I’m really excited to be taking on this new challenge. River Tees Rediscovered is a fantastic opportunity to explore, improve and celebrate the River Tees area. I want the project to be more than the sum of its parts; to make a lasting impact on the landscape and the communities of the River Tees area,” he said.

“The Tees Valley is a vibrant place with a wealth of history and its people are passionately proud of their area. We want to harness this to ensure that the region is seen as the fantastic place to visit, live and work, both locally and nationally.”

Before taking up his role, Mr Watson gained a wealth of experience in the charitable and environmental sectors, having previous managed his own social enterprises, including The Warm Age Wood Company which aimed to tackle fuel poverty and combat social isolation amongst elderly and vulnerable people.

Kate Culverhouse, chief executive of Groundwork North East & Cumbria, said: “We’re extremely pleased to have Tom on board for the River Tees Rediscovered scheme. He brings with him experience, connections and passion that will be of great benefit as the scheme progresses over the next five years.”

The organisation, which is a social enterprise and charity, is dedicated to improving people’s lives through a wide range of life-enhancing projects, such as River Tees Rediscovered.

Any business, organisations and individual who would like to be involved with the River Tees Rediscovered project are urged to email Tom.watson@groundwork.org.uk or call 01642-616144.