A LANCASHIRE agency has expanded its team with two new recruits whose experiences range from journalism to PR to music.

Jenny Brookfield and Jennie Marsden will be both be joining Rossendale based Viva PR taking its team up to ten members of staff.

Ms Brookfield is a former reporter at the Rossendale Free Press who has also worked for Insider Media, while Ms Marsden is a former communications officer for SPAR's North of England wholesaler James Hall and Co.

Viva founder and managing director Tony Garner said: "The past 12 months has turned out to be one of the best years in terms of turnover and client wins for us, with a real focus on the healthcare and public sectors in the wake of the pandemic. I knew I needed to expand the team with PR professionals who could hit the ground running with our clients, so the first person I spoke to was Jenny.

"She’s freelanced for us as an agency for many years after working with her during her Rossendale Free Press days.

"She gets what Viva is all about and knows how we work, and she’s slotted straight into the team, even in these strange times we’re still working in.

"But we still needed another pair of hands to help with our new roster of clients and Jennie more than fit the bill, she was looking for experience on the agency side and brings bags of experience from the hospitality industry with her."

As well as joining the firm together and having the same name, both of the new team members also share the same birthday on April 7.

Ms Brookfield said: "Viva was the dream opportunity when I was looking for a new challenge, because I’ve always enjoyed the variety of clients the agency works with and I knew it would be a great place to work.

"I’m most looking forward to being part of a team again and putting into practice the experience I’ve gained for Viva’s clients and seeing the results."

Ms Marsden meanwhile will also be bringer her experience as a former music teacher and freelance soprano singer, as well as in education marketing with her.

She said: "I’d heard great things about Viva from one of its previous clients and after three years in-house, really wanted to branch over to the agency side.

"Viva’s connection to local and national companies was really appealing, as well as the focus that’s being placed on employee wellbeing.

"I’m looking forward to learning more about this ever-changing industry and helping clients get through this current climate."