BANNATYNE Fitness, the UK's largest independent health club operator, has welcomed a new management team at its Ingleby Barwick club.

TOM CARTER, from Stockton, is the club's new general manager, while NICOLA BROMLEY becomes his assistant.

Tom, 30, gained his leisure management experience in the South of England after leaving Stockton for London.

He progressed through the ranks of international leisure company, First Leisure.

Nicola is the new assistant manager, joining Bannatyne's from Canons Enterprises in Edgeware, north London, where she was a sports centre manager.

The 26-year-old, who now lives in Darlington, has a degree in sports studies and recreational management from Chichester University.

Arriva Trains Northern has appointed a new sales manager for the region. He is 28-year-old PHIL COOKE, who was previously supervisor at Sunderland Travel Centre, where he worked for ten years. In his new position he will oversee the day-to-day running of 30 stations, looking after staff and revenue management as well as safety audits.

UK Steel Enterprise, responsible for investing more than £600,000 in small and medium sized businesses in the region, has strengthened its team with the appointment of NICK JOHNSON as regional executive.

The finance specialist will be responsible for investments in Darlington, the Tees Valley, Derwentside and Cumbria. He joins the company from Yorkshire Bank, where he was a branch manager in Hartlepool.

The region's biggest funeral business has appointed HELEN CHANDLER, as regional manager. The 39-year-old will head up more than 300 staff and 83 funeral homes throughout the North for the Co-operative Funeral Services. Helen joined the Co-op 18 years ago.

Law firm Latimer Hinks has strengthened its wills and probate team with the appointment of RACHELL LAMBERT as an assistant solicitor. The 25-year-old joins the Darlington firm from a practice in Northumberland.

Originally from Tynemouth, Rachel is a graduate from Leeds University.

PHILIP DAVIDSON has become a sales executive at Jennings Ford in Yarm Road, Stockton. Philip, 33, from Darlington, previously worked for Dickens, Sainsbury's and House of Fraser.

NEIL TAYLOR, 34, has been promoted to manager at Bernard Povey Carpets in Hartlepool. He joined the company three years ago.

Consett caravan manufacturer Explorer Group has appointed JEFF KENRICK as general manager of the motorhome division.

His appointment follows three years working on a freelance consultancy basis. His new role will involve developing Explorer's motorhome division and taking responsibility for all sales aspects