A BOLTON man has been appointed to a top job with a Manchester company.

Mr Derick Kirton, married, with two grown-up children, lives in Heaton. He has become General Manager of the Automotive Paints division at progressive surface coatings manufacturer H. Marcel Guest Ltd.

Mr Kirton, aged 58, was formerly Director of Marketing & Sales at automotive chemicals and paints manufacturer Tetrosyl.

During his 15 years with the company he launched eight successful brands and latterly increased sales more than three-fold. Before that he held a similar post with M I Plastics, where he had full management control of UK sales and negotiated supply agreements with major mail order houses and DIY retailers.

In his new job he will be responsible for developing HMG's automotive refinishing business and will oversee the activities of a new national automotive sales force.

The particular focus will be on the company's newly-developed paint mixing systems for car and commercial bodyshops.