METROMAIL, in Peterlee, County Durham, has appointed ALAN PURVIS as managing director.

Mr Purvis is taking over following the retirement of John Poland.

Metromail, owned by direct marketing company Saga, is one of the UK's largest mailing houses, operating from a £6m building at Whitehouse Park.

Mr Purvis, who has been with MetroMail for ten years, most recently as technical director, said he was eager to press ahead with new initiatives and growth plans for the company.