CULTURE, community and commerce will be the focus of Minehead's first "vision manager" as he looks to regenerate, revitalise and invigorate the fortunes of the town.

Stephen Hooper (pictured) took up the post last month and is keen to stress his role is definitely not that of a traditional town centre manager.

His aims and objectives have already been clearly set out by his employers, the Minehead Visioning Group and the umbrella organisation Minehead Development Trust.

The group includes representatives from the district council, Minehead Town Council, Somerset County Council and Minehead Chamber of Trade, as well as members of other key groups and organisations in the town.

Mr Hooper will be working under the remit of making Minehead a "thriving, prosperous, safe and attractive town, with access to quality services and facilities for residents, businesses and visitors alike".

Based at Minehead Tourist Information Centre, he has spent the first few weeks since his appointment meeting business and civic leaders and key members of the local community.

He has previously worked in South Wales and specialises in helping rural areas work within their communities to achieve their goals.

"I have to have a business plan in place before the end of March with short, medium and long-term goals," Mr Hooper said.

His post is initially funded for 18 months and is being hailed as key to helping Minehead attract new external funding to promote business and boost skills opportunities.

He will be meeting Minehead Chamber of Trade and local hoteliers next week.

The visioning group has also created a business administration apprenticeship post to work alongside Mr Hooper and will be advertising for candidates in the coming weeks.

Mr Hooper can be contacted via email at [email protected]">[email protected].