NEWCASTLE firm Forum Marketing has recruited a new public relations team.

ROB LAWSON and RICHARD GARRAD have joined the Gosforth-based firm, which specialises in advertising and publicity, particularly for the retail sector.

Mr Lawson has returned to live in South Shields after two years in Leeds working for Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency, and has been appointed to the position of account manager.

Mr Garrad has joined from PR firm Karol Marketing, and is currently completing a certificate in communications and marketing at Northumbria University.