Elgar Housing Association has appointed Mike Shaw to the newly-created position of housing manager for Ledbury and Bromyard.

Mr Shaw's old position, that of housing officer at Ledbury's New Street office, will be filled by Nicola Cooke, who has worked for the association for two years.

Mr Shaw, who joined Elgar in 1995, will divide time between the two market towns. Area manager Alan Moorhouse, said he was delighted with Mr Shaw's appointment, which has come about in response to tenants' requests for a local presence in their areas.

He added: "He's a very experienced and capable housing professional and will make a major contribution in his new role for us."