RICHARD Udall, Labour county councillor for St John's, Worcester, has been re-elected chairman of the Wales and Borders regional board of the Co-operative Group.

At 35, he is the youngest regional chairman in the history of the Co-op.

The region, which had a turnover of £352.4m in the first six months of this year, covers all of Wales and the West Midlands.

The board is responsible for 148 Co-op food stores, 36 Travelcare branches, 67 funeral branches, 46 pharmacies and 18 Co-operative Bank branches.

"It is an honour and privilege to be re-elected for a second term, but also a responsibility," said Coun Udall.

"I remain confident that with our values and principles we can prove that co-operation is a real alternative to other forms of business."