ADVANTAGE West Midlands has appointed the first executive chair of the Rural Regeneration Zone board.

Peter Pawsey - who is chairman of Worcester's Robert West Consulting - will lead a board of nine, committed to improving the lives of those who live and work in the rural west of the West Midlands.

Board members include chief executives from key public and voluntary sector organisations and there is also representation from the private sector.

Mr Pawsey is a fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers and his interest in regeneration stems from an upbringing in rural Essex and Hertford-shire within a family with strong farming interests.

"I'm delighted to be appointed and determined to build upon those successes to make a real difference to the lives of many people living and working in the Rural Zone."

The RRZ - covering most of Herefordshire, Shropshire and parts of Worcestershire - is one of six zones established by Advantage West Midlands to connect need and opportunity in the area and contribute to developing a strong economy throughout the region.

To help it achieve that vision, Advantage West Midlands has identified a budget of £8m for the RRZ this year, rising to £10m then £12m in the next two years.