EXECUTIVE headhunter, CNA, has a new branch in Darlington.

It has opened an office in the Imperial Centre, in Grange Road.

That takes the Castle Donnington business to 50 offices in the UK.

The Darlington office, which specialises in finding high fliers for clients in the chemical industry round the world, is run by Bob Walker. He has spent his career up to 1995 in the chemical industry working in various commercial, technical and operational roles for blue chip companies.

He said: "I'm delighted we are expanding into Darlington.

"2001 was our most successful year yet. Without doubt, manufacturing industry has been hard hit, but it is at times like these when the pressure is really on that a company's management is tested to its core. Directors have to look hard at their management team and review whether it needs strengthening."