AN organisation which is heading a multi-million pound regeneration scheme has welcomed a new member.

Paul Beel, accounts manager for Hartlepool at Business Link Tees Valley, has joined the board of the North Hartlepool Partnership.

The partnership - in charge of the ten-year package of improvements on the town's Headland - is creating of a town square and a story trail among other projects.

Mr Beel, 37, who is based in Business Link's satellite office in Brougham Enterprise Centre in Hartlepool, gives new and established firms advice and grants to help them develop and grow.

Before joining Business Link three years ago, Mr Beel, who was born in Sedgefield, had gained extensive experience working as a technical manager in the manufacturing industry.

He said: "I am delighted to join the partnership and I look forward to adding my experience and my views to the board. The partnership has done a lot of very exciting work and I look forward to contributing to its future success."

Councillor John Marshall, chairman of the partnership, said: "We welcome Paul, as we do all new members to the board. I am sure he will take a very active part in all that we do."