A NEW man has been appointed to run Mitchells' Cockermouth town centre saleroom.

Michael Roberts is the former head of Penrith Farmers’ and Kidd’s antiques auction department.

He will work alongside Mitchells' existing director Mark Wise who, after more than 30 years at the helm, had been looking for a suitable successor to enable him to move to a more part-time position.

Mr Wise said: “I am very much looking forward to working with him and helping take the business to the next level.

"I will be remaining on Mitchells’ board of directors and will still maintain an active role in the business concentrating particularly on the major antiques and fine art sales.”

Mr Roberts had been at PFK for five years and before that was a director at The Canterbury Auction Galleries for 10 years.

He said: “I am excited to be heading up Mitchells and to have the opportunity to further develop their excellent business.”

Mitchells first Timed Online Auction will take place in November.

Visit www.mitchellsauction.co.uk/antiques-fine-art/ for further details.