A LONG-serving official at Worcestershire County Council has started work as the new boss of the authority's trading standards department.

Steve Birch, who was worked for the council since 1974, was due to take over today from Clive Graham. He will also become head of scientific services and emergency planning.

Challenge

"I am looking forward to the challenge of working with scientific services and emergency planning and am dedicated to providing excellent services for the consumers and businesses in Worcestershire," said Mr Birch.

Mr Graham is retiring in May and is currently on secondment at the council's corporate risk management department.