FORMER B&Q director Helen Weir is about to become one of the highest paid women in British business after landing the job of finance director at Lloyds TSB.

The UK's fifth largest bank named Ms Weir as successor to Philip Hampton, who received a salary of £483,000 in 2002.

Mr Hampton's contract was terminated in January after the bank decided to focus on organic growth rather than the merger, acquisition and restructuring activity prevalent at the time of his appointment.

Media reports at the weekend highlighted concerns among shareholders about Ms Weir's lack of experience in the banking industry.

But a spokesman for Lloyds TSB said feedback from shareholders showed they welcomed her appointment.

The announcement comes ahead of the bank's full-year results announcement on Monday, with Ms Weir due to take up her post on April 26.

Eric Daniels, chief executive, said: "Helen has tremendous personal and professional strengths with an excellent track record as a highly effective finance director."

Ms Weir, who has a first in maths from Oxford University, began her career with consumer products group Unilever, joining B&Q in 1995.