A DEVELOPMENT agency working to bring jobs and prosperity to the Wear Valley district has two new men at the top.

Retailer Paul Robinson and lawyer Anthony Walters have new roles at the Wear Valley Development Agency, which supports hundreds of businesses in a deprived corner of County Durham.

Mr Robinson, 42, is the agency's new chief executive, replacing Geraldine Pinder who left in December. Mr Walters, 49, moves from vice-chairman to chairman.

Darlington-born, Mr Robinson trained and worked for Marks and Spencer, moving on to manage stores for Somerfield, Asda and PC World.

He said: "We are there to help people with the ideas with advice on how to take them forward and other issues such as accounts, marketing, or employment law.

"We can support and help them and by doing so can continue to regenerate the area and create and protect jobs. We are about empowering residents to maximise their potential in life."

Mr Walters was born in Shildon and educated at King James I Grammar School, Bishop Auckland, before qualifying in 1979.

He has worked in Bishop Auckland since 1983 and specialises in commercial law.

He is also a past chairman of the Bishop Auckland Chamber of Trade.

Mr Walters said: "More than anything else we want to see the area develop."

The agency can be contacted on (01388) 776688.