TESCO in Ledbury has appointed a community champion to seek out and support worthwhile community projects in the local area.

Manager Mel Yates said he was "really pleased" to announce the appointment of staff member Ashley Fortey as the store's community champion.

Mr Yates said: "Because of our ongoing commitment to be a force for good in Ledbury, Ashley has been appointed from our team to take on the brand new role of community champion for our store.

"This is a huge role that I hope will help us continue to build our links with the Ledbury area, for which Ashley is well suited."

Mr Yates added: "In addition to building this role and making it a success for Ledbury town, he will also be supporting our Farm to Fork Team, when activities take place with the local schools.

"As our activities grow, we need someone to help organise and support and do whatever is necessary to help our business support our community properly."

Mr Fortey said he had been "a local lad" all his life and had always worked with local community throughout his adult life.

He said:"Growing up in rural communities you get involved in local events. Some of my past involvement ties in one of my hobbies, church bellringing, with fundraising to install a new ring of bells at Yarkhill Parish Church.

"I am a bingo caller for the Yarkhill church fundraising campaign, and I also play bridge at Bartestree village hall, amongst many numerous activities I get involved in."

He added: "My role as community champion is a new position at Tesco in Ledbury.

"My position is a point of contact when people are looking for support for local projects: whether schools wish to plan Farm to Fork visits to the store, or in supporting local projects like the Ledbury Food Bank or the new Youth Community drop in centre; I am here to help deliver this.

"I am excited on how we can develop and forge good working relations with the community we serve."