BOLTON Relate has appointed a new manager to run its relationship counselling charity.

Bev Wells began her new role last week, taking over from outgoing manager Christine Whittle, who left the Bradford Street based charity last August after 13 years in charge.

The 43-year-old from Blackburn was the manager of the Isle of Man Relate for 10 years, before she took up her new post last week in Bolton.

Bolton Relate, founded in 1945, provides counselling on relationships, and sex therapy. They also offer a counselling service for young people.

The office is based at 32 Bradford Street in the town centre, and is open six days a week.

The opening times are: Monday 9am-9pm, Tuesday 9am-4pm, Wednesday and Thursday 9am-9pm, Friday 9am-4pm and Saturday 9am-2pm.

Mrs Wells said her role would be to oversee the day-to-day running of the centre and to deliver a first class service.

She said: "I'm looking forward to the challenge which lies ahead, and building on the work which was started by Christine. I'm still trying to find my feet in the town, but I'm enjoying the job so far."