A Bradford Garden Centre has appointed a new Food Hall Manager as it prepares to launch an extended offering with a new look and new artisan producers.

Leeds born Mark Jocelyn has been recruited to manage the new Hearty's food hall at Tong Garden Centre following a six month refurbishment programme that has seen the former food hall almost double in size.

Mr Jocelyn joins the Tong Lane garden centre with over 20 years' catering experience and has most recently managed The Deli at The Piece Hall in Halifax: "It's a very exciting time to be joining Tong, as we establish the blueprint for the food hall offering, both here at Tong and at future sites.

"I'm already enjoying working with the butchers, bakers and buyers as Hearty's prepares to launch to the public and am looking forward to leading the operations for both the ambient food and gift ranges as well as the expanding fresh produce areas.

"I will also be working closely with the commercial team to introduce new producers and artisans as well as launching products under the Hearty's ‘Lovingly Made' banner."

The development of Hearty's has been led by former Nestlé Senior Commercial Manager, Sarah Dwyer: "Having worked with the team at Tong to develop an amazing food hall experience over the last six months, I'm delighted to welcome Mark and I'm looking forward to seeing him and his team deliver our exciting vision."

When he's not working, Mr Jocelyn enjoys spending time with his family, playing and watching sport and cooking using locally sourced artisan food and drink.

Tong Garden Centre occupies a 19 acre site in Tong village. It is one of Yorkshire's biggest independent garden centres with 125,000 square feet of retail space and parking for up to 700 cars.