JOHN OWENS, an accountant from Ingleby Barwick, has been appointed a lay director to the Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland Community Services Board.

Mr Owens, 53, has more than 30 years' experience in accountancy. He set up his own accountancy practice, Argot Accounting and Business Services, last December, offering accounting and business advice aimed particularly at the SME market and specialist start-up advice and support to new businesses.

Mr Owens said: "I am looking to bring the experience I've gained in the private sector to this new position. I have joined because the forthcoming two years represent a period of major change in the organisation."