WORCESTERSHIRE'S cultural star could be on the rise following a new appointment.

West Midlands Life, the body that champions the interests of cultural, creative and sporting activities in Worcestershire, has appointed its first executive director.

Steve Trow, a former cultural consultant, will join Brian Woods Scawen, the recently appointed chairman of the Regional Cultural Consortium, to help give more people in Worcestershire access to cultural events.

" Mr Trow will be able to draw on more than 25 years of experience of strategic and partnership development in the cultural sector," said a spokesman.

Mr Trow started his career as an arts worker with children and has since worked as an officer or consultant with a wide range of public and voluntary organisations.

He has also worked with many of the region's local authorities and has undertaken consultancy commissions for several key cultural agencies at regional and national levels, including Arts Council England and the British Film Institute.