A MALVERN man has been re-appointed to lead the regional development agency Advant- age West Midlands for a further three years.

Nick Paul's chairmanship has been extended for a full second term from December 2005 to December 2008.

Mr Paul took over the role at the end of 2002 and has been responsible for leading the MG Rover Task Force, set up in the wake of the closure of the company in April.

Advantage West Midlands chief executive John Edwards said: "I am genuinely delighted that myself and the agency as a whole will have the privilege of working alongside Nick for a further three years.

"Since he was appointed, a huge amount has been achieved in laying out the priorities for the West Midlands.

"The aim is to create a world-class region in which to invest, work, learn, visit and live by 2010 and Nick's leadership has been vital in establishing how we go about achieving this vision."

Mr Paul said: "Having another three years is not only an honour but also means we will be able to work with a powerful, co-ordinated approach towards our collective aims.

"I relish the opportunity to work with our partners to accelerate the transformation of the West Midlands region up until 2008," Mr Paul added.