WEST Mercia Probation has announced the appointment of Ken Hockenhull, aged 58, as a board member.

Married with one daughter, Ken originally hails from St Helens in Lancashire, but for the last three years has been living in north-west Herefordshire having lived in Bermuda for the previous 18 years.

Leaving school at 17, he joined the Co-op management-training scheme, moving into administration before qualifying as an accountant.

In 1982, he took advantage of an opportunity to become managing director of a division of a supermarket chain serving the islands of Bermuda, almost 1,000 miles from the nearest mainland.

A few years later he became managing director of a food wholesaler, with responsibility for importation and supply of much of the islands' food.

"Life certainly sprang many surprises," said Ken. "Including fresh foods not loaded on aircraft and hurricanes that disrupted shipping."

An ability to improvise and act quickly was vital.

Ken said: "As the new boy on the board, I know that I have a very steep learning curve, especially because all my experiences are within the private sector.

"I am really looking forward to the new challenges that my appointment will bring."

Board chair Tricia Bradbury said: "As a member of the board, Ken brings with him a diversity of background and information, which I am sure will be of great benefit to the other board members and the probation service as a whole.