A new trainee has been appointed to the marketing team at Malvern Theatres.

The one-year post has been funded by The Elmley Foundation, a grant-making trust founded by the late Countess Beauchamp of Madresfield Court, near Malvern.

New recruit Anna Evans will work on all aspects of marketing and publicity. Her work will include box office and sales work, advertising and marketing campaigns.

Miss Evans, a graduate of the University of Nottingham, has worked at the Edinburgh Festival and has always wanted to work in the theatre.

"I'm so pleased to have been given this exciting chance. Malvern is a lovely town and everyone has been so friendly," she said.

The marketing traineeship is the most recent contribution made to Malvern Theatres by The Elmley Foundation. It contributed to the staging of Imogen Stubb's play, We Happy Few, in 2003 and in 2002 gave the theatre a unique water clock which is on display in the foyer.

"Marketing is crucial to the success of the theatres," said Elmley Foundation director John de la Cour.

The Elmley Foundation supports the advancement, appreciation and study of the arts in the Worcestershire and Herefordshire area.