THE future continues to look rosy for Wyre Forest Young Enterprise group under the leadership of new chairman Malcolm Plant.

Mr Plant, a financial adviser of Lodge Close, Bewdley, has taken over the reins from Louise Hewett following his three years with the organisation.

Combining his work as owner of Malcolm W Plant & Co with his new role represents few fears for the 52-year-old.

Speaking at his home of 28 years he told of why the chance to become Young Enterprise chairman was so tempting: ''I have great empathy with our mission which is 'learning by doing'. I also want to give students of all abilities an opportunity to get real life experience of business and the world of work''.

The group organises visits, lectures and various other community-based projects in a bid to prepare youngsters for employment.

One of his first missions as chairman will be to raise funds for the group when he takes a number of students to Wales next spring to complete a millennium walk along the Cambrian Way.

He said: ''The walk is 270 miles long, crosses 10 mountain ranges and has a total ascent of 23,000 metres, which makes it the toughest trek in Britain''.

His part-time lecturing at Kidderminster College in mountain safety and navigation provides the chance to educate youngsters in addition to discussing a hobby he has had since the age of 14.

Maintaining a great belief in his own ability and that of district youngsters he added: ''Young Enterprise needs to further the programmes it already has and to expand its business links. We are always looking to push the group forward''.

Mr Plant left King Edward VI Grammar School, Stourbridge, in 1966, and moved directly into financial services because he ''liked dealing with other people's money as opposed to his own''.

His company is a member of one of the country's largest independent networks, of which Mr Plant is vice-chairman.

Much of the daily schedule involves work from home and time spent with his wife Leslie, 51, a fact which pleases him: ''Bewdley is lovely, I really enjoy working and living here'', he said.

He spends time in Kidderminster when the opportunity arises and is a regular visitor to Aggborough to watch his beloved Kidderminster Harriers in action.

Despite such a hectic schedule, family remains the most important part of life to Mr Plant, who always makes time to see granddaughter Holly.

''She is only 16-months-old but is absolutely brilliant to be with, and reminds me that no working achievement will ever match a happy family.''