A NEW regional director has been appointed in charge of Whitbread's East Lancashire interests.

Peter Bech, 55, takes over from Blackburn-based Chris Sullivan who left the company to pursue new business interests.

Father-of-four Peter has worked for the group since 1984 and is general manager of the Manchester Marriott Worsley Park Hotel and Country Club.

In his new role he will be responsible for Whitbread's 12,500 staff in the North West including almost 1,000 at its Samlesbury brewery and Blackburn distribution depot.