DARLINGTON’S town centre Business Improvement District company has appointed new board members.

Distinct Darlington, which is now entering its third year, carried out an election process to appoint new representatives to ensure every commercial and retail sector in Darlington is well represented.

Nicola Reading of Bliss Gifts has retained her position as a chairwoman of the board, with Carrie-Ann Brown from Moda in Pelle and Peter Bulmer from Coopers Cafe and the Waterhouse Kitchen jointly taking on the role as vice chair.

Joining the Board for the first time are Paul Taylor-Garthwaite from H Taylor & Sons, Stephen Valente from Café Valente and Stuart Young from UK Sewing Machines, David Walker from Handlesbanken, John Coxon from Leggs and Natalie Cooper from Houndgate Town House.

Previous Board members who have retained their positions are Councillor Chris McEwan and Ian Williams from Darlington Borough Council, Robin Blair from J.J Blair & Sons, with Inspector Mick Button representing the Police and Louise Hardy from Queen Street Shopping Centre as a co-opted member.

In the past year the Distinct Darlington has put together a host of events to drive footfall into the town including the Distinctly Delicious - Darlington Festival of Food, the Christmas ice rink and the successful Darlington by the Sea initiative which ended last week.

Alex Hirst, manager of Distinct Darlington, said: “It’s great to have the backing of such a strong group of people who are representing a wide cross section of the businesses in the town, from independent and national retailers to commercial enterprises and boutique hotel owners.

"I look forward to working with them throughout the next year and taking on board all the valuable expertise and support they will be able to offer.”

For more information about the BID for Darlington visit distinctdarlington.co.uk