ONE of East Lancashire's biggest employers has a new boss.

Bob Watson has been appointed to head up Darwen-based Imperial Home Decor Group following the retirement of Neil Sharrock after four years as chief executive at the wallcoverings firm.

"My work with the company and the industry has been the course of much personal enjoyment and satisfaction," said Mr Sharrock.

His successor was previously group managing director of CSC Forest Products Ltd.

"I am delighted to join the compnay especially at a time when there is a resurgence of interest in wallcoverings, particularly for Crown and Shand Kydd branded products," said Mr Watson, who is originally from Northern Ireland and is married with two sons.

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