COLNE Town Council has appointed Diane Morville to the new part-time role of allotment officer.

The role involves close liaison with Colne’s allotment tenants, to ensure full and proper use is being made of the plots.

At this time of year, she will also be involved in the annual allotment inspections, as well as getting to know Colne Town Council allotment committee members.

Cllr Sarah Cockburn-Price, chairman of the town council, said: "We were most impressed by the standard of candidate we saw at interview. I know it is customary to say that, but this happens to be true: we were genuinely impressed.

"Even so, the interview panel was unanimous in its choice of candidate, which was gratifying. I know the new allotment committee is champing at the bit to tackle the work backlog on Colne’s allotments, so Diane is likely to find herself rushed off her feet."

Diane spent 25 years working for the Civil Service before accepting redundancy in 2013.

She said: "Having taken some time out of my career, I was looking for a varied, part-time role that was linked to my love of the great outdoors.

"This new role exactly fits the bill, so I am delighted I was offered the job.

"I’m also responsible for letting our five new plots created at our Intake Site (at the top of King George’s playing field), as well as four other vacant plots."