Chris Swales has been appointed as the new manager of Hitchin Garden Centre.
The 27-year-old will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the centre, which is located on Cambridge road and is part of The Garden Centre Group.

Mr Swales said: "I am delighted to have been appointed to this position and I am pleased to be joining the garden centre's team.

"I have worked at garden centres in the Group for the past 12 years and I am very excited about my new role at Hitchin Garden Centre."

He began working as a trolley boy at Potter's Bar Garden Centre, aged 15, and worked his way up to shop manager, deputy manager and then manager of the centre. Most recently, he worked as manager of Enfield Garden Centre.

In his spare time Mr Swales enjoys DIY, watching football and is a keen supporter of Chelsea Football Club. He is also planning his wedding, which will take place next year.

The Garden Centre Group regional manager Nick Anderson said: "We would like to welcome Chris to Hitchin Garden Centre. He brings with him a wealth of experience from the horticultural industry."