Roger Wale from Morpeth in Northumberland is appointed general manager of Heighley Gate Nursery & Garden Centre.
In his new role, Mr Wale will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the garden centre, which is part of The Garden Centre Group (formerly Wyevale).

He said: "I am delighted to have been appointed to this position. I have worked in garden centres all my life and this has given me invaluable knowledge and experience, which I look forward to bringing to Heighley Gate Nursery & Garden Centre.

"I will be involved in all areas of the garden centre's operations. The main part of my job I really enjoy is managing and coaching staff. I find this very rewarding."

Mr Wale attended Hinckley College in Leicestershire, where he studied business and finance.

After leaving full-time education in 1992, he started work as a general assistant at Woodlands Nursery & Garden Centre in Stapleton near Hinckley. He had previously worked at the centre, which is also part of The Garden Centre Group, as a weekend member of staff while he was at college.

During his time at Woodlands Nursery & Garden Centre, Mr Wale worked in various positions, including assistant manager. In 2005 he started work at The Garden Centre Group's Head Office within the commercial and retail operations departments.

In 2008 Roger worked as the general manager at Stratford-Upon-Avon Garden Centre prior to taking up the post at Heighley Gate.

Alyson Haywood, regional manager for the North at The Garden Centre Group, said: "We would like to welcome Roger to Heighley Gate Nursery & Garden Centre and we look forward to working with him. He brings with him a wealth of experience to the garden centre."

In his spare time, Mr Wale enjoys running, outdoor pursuits and gardening as well as socialising with friends.