THE North-west Development Agency has appointed Helen France as area team manager to lead and co-ordinate regeneration efforts in Greater Manchester.

Helen, who lives in Trafford, has been leading the Single Regeneration Budget and Rural Programmes across the region since she joined the NWDA in April, 1999.

She said: "This area has tremendous potential in terms of skills, culture, heritage and people. We need to ensure everyone can benefit.

"I am looking forward to working with our partners to help build a future everyone can share."