Construction firm Thomas Armstrong has appointed a new director to its board.

Philip Hoyles has joined the west Cumbrian company - which is based in Workington Road, Flimby, near Maryport - and has become its commercial director.

In this new role he will be responsible for managing all commercial aspects of the construction division of the company.

Mr Hoyles, 46, started with the company in October 1994 as a trainee quantity surveyor, moving up to qualified surveyor and senior surveyor. He was made commercial manager for the building department three years ago.

Mr Hoyles was born and raised in Maryport.

He attended Netherhall School until age of 18 before heading to the University of Northumbria, where he graduated with a degree in chartered surveying.

He is married with three sons and still lives in his home town with his family.