A NEW recruit has joined the Dudley Ambassadors team, which is part of the £6.7 million town centre transformation.

Lewis Sinclair, aged 20, has been appointed as the first ambassadors apprentice to act as a link between businesses and Dudley Council.

The former Halesowen College student will work alongside the town's first ambassador Nikki Cheung to promote the town and share news and events in a bid to bring in more shoppers, business and investment.

This initiative builds on the transformation of the town centre - the multi-million pound new market place is due to complete later this year with new-look market stalls, restored fountain and Earl of Dudley statue, lighting and public art.

Work has also begun on a £1.1million revamp of Coronation Gardens to include an amphitheatre, water in the fountain for the first time in decades, new seating, paths and lighting.

Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, cabinet member for planning and economic development, said: “The ambassador scheme continues to grow from strength to strength, as we look for new opportunities to celebrate everything that is happening in Dudley.

“I would like to extend a warm welcome to Lewis, and look forward to the positive outcomes that he and the town ambassador can bring. These are exciting times for Dudley with regeneration projects either underway or in the pipeline, something that we should all be shouting about.”

“I would also like to thank the town centre businesses that are already working with the Dudley Ambassadors team to further improve Dudley. The team is now looking for further volunteers to act as champions for the town centre. This opportunity is perfect for people who, like me, love their community.”

The Dudley Ambassadors function is partly funded by the European Regional Development Fund and partly by Dudley Council.