ROSSENDALE Council's new chief executive has started work with a pledge to restore the Valley's self-confidence while providing services that people could be proud of.

Owen Williams, 34, is one of the youngest chief executives in the country and believes his public and private sector background will aid his task of reorganising and promoting the borough.

The authority was in crisis after being branded the worst in the country in a disastrous Audit Commission report last year and has been forced to make widespread cost cuts.

Owen lives in Bradford with his partner, Heather, and sons, Jason, seven, and Vaughn, five, and now plans to move to the Valley with his family.