LEIGH, Golborne and Platt Bridge have a new champion -- town centre co-ordinator Helen Stalker.

Leeds Metropolitan University graduate Helen, aged 24, replaces Laurie Barton, who left in March.

Helen's background is in business and commercial property public relations, something which should stand her in good stead when it comes to promoting the town centres. She got first hand experience of town centre management when she handled the PR account for the Association of Town Centre Management (ATCM). She has also worked on the PR and promotions for Eccles town centre.

Helen said: "I am really pleased to have the chance to work in partnership with local businesses and community groups to improve the town centres. I'm certain there will be a great deal of challenges and opportunities ahead and I am really looking forward to getting started."

Helen joins a town centre team which also includes town centre co-ordinator for Atherton, Hindley, Ashton and Tyldesley, Annette Root, and Wigan town centre manager Mike Matthews.