THE new man at the helm of Great Malvern Association of Traders (GMAT) says he is looking forward to building on the achievements and progress of the past year.

Chris Marks, who runs Iapetus Gallery, in Belle Vue Terrace, was elected chairman of the town centre group at its annual general meeting.

He had been serving as acting chairman for several months, following the resignation of Robin Elt.

Mr Marks said he was very pleased to be appointed and is already looking forward to challenges ahead.

“We have achieved an awful lot in the last year, with things like the successful petition against car park charges and the jubilee street party,” he said. “We have got more members and lots of new businesses have signed up so as an association we are continuing to grow, which is great.

“Lots of things are happening and we are hoping to make even greater steps next year.”