DROITWICH has welcomed a new face to help the town organise events and attract new visitors.

Janet Yates has taken up her role as Wychavon District Council's new area partnership manager.

Janet replaces former manager Joe Ling who helped with Droitwich's High Street regeneration project and was instrumental in starting the town's Salt Day Festival.

Janet will now be responsible for co-ordinating all the activities in and around the town, including supporting the Droitwich Local Strategic Partnership (LSP).

The LSP pulls together all the different partners in Droitwich, from the public and private sectors, who can work together to deliver real improvements for the town and its surrounding rural areas.

Janet has been working for the last three years at Malvern Hills District Council in economic development and tourism, so has an excellent grasp of the issues facing towns and rural communities.

She has also worked to support the Farmers' Markets Group and previously worked on a project to help rural businesses in Wychavon to diversify.

"I'm looking forward to the challenges of this role, in particular helping to secure investment for the town, attracting visitors and enhancing the unique character of the area," she said.

"I'm also looking forward to delivering real projects for Droitwich at a time when it is really needed."