A FORMER RAF squadron leader is the new director of the Wigan-based North West Chambers of Commerce organisation. Mr Terry Cook, aged 46, has succeeded Mr Miles Middleton, who is taking up a new appointment in the North-east.

Mr Cook, who was born in Euxton, near Chorley, was brought up in various North-west towns and cities during his father's career in the police.

About eight years ago he left the RAF and joined British Aerospace at Warton, near Preston and spent a lot of time in Saudi Arabia.

About three years ago he became Middle East Regional Director for International Water Ltd, a Manchester-based joint venture between United Utilities and Bechtel US.

The North West Chambers of Commerce represents more than 14,000 member companies in the region.

The chairman, Mr Anthony Goldstone, said: "It was important that we appointed a full-time director, following the sterling work of Miles Middleton, to ensure that the Government is kept fully aware of the needs of business - particularly in the proposed new Regional Development Agencies, the proposals in respect of the minimum wage and European legislation coming from Europe in respect of the Social Chapter."

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