A NEW appointment for a Blackburn-based support organisation is bringing 15 years experience along with him.

Martin Hartley-Smith is joining Spring North, formerly The Families and Wellbeing Consortium, as business development manager.

The Accrington-born business graduate started out with Business Link and later developed his own marketing company.

He also worked for Child Action North West, rising to the post of deputy chief executive.

Martin said: "I've been aware of the work of Spring North for some time and admired the scope of support they provide."

Dave Edmundson, Spring North chairman, added: "He joins us at an exciting time. We celebrate our 10-year anniversary this year and want to build our achievements."