THE man charged with attracting new jobs and investment to Cumbria has become the new chairman of the county's Learning and Skills Council.

Jack Stopforth, who is chief executive of Cumbria Inward Investment Agency, took up the post after an LSC board meeting this week.

Mr Stopforth, who was previously vice chairman, succeeded Rob Cairns, chief executive of Furness Building Society, who had been at the helm of Cumbria LSC since it was formed in July 2000.

Mr Cairns said he had enjoyed his time in office and felt the organisation was now making a real difference to the county's learning infrastructure.

He welcomed the appointment of his successor, saying: "He Jack Stopforth has an excellent grasp of the key strategic issues facing the Learning and Skills Council and a powerful understanding of its proper place in the county."

LSC executive director Mick Farley paid tribute to the work of Rob Cairns in helping to establish Cumbria LSC as an effective and well-respected organisation in the county.