Jenny Beard, who spearheaded efforts to help Herefordshire and Worcestershire recover from the ravages of last year's foot and mouth epidemic has been given a leading role in developing the West Midlands food and drink industry.

Jenny, of the Learning and Skills Council Herefordshire and Worcestershire, has been appointed Regional Food and Drink Skills Manager - a post being funded by the regional development agency, Advantage West Midlands (AWM).

Living in Leintwardine, she is based at the LSC's Worcester office and has been involved in the food and drink industry, in various roles, throughout her working life.

She describes her new position as "a huge opportunity to assist in the development of a sustainable food and drink industry within the West Midlands", as her wide ranging remit will involve her at all levels in the food chain, from agricultural producers, the retail sector and supermarket chains to hotels and catering.

Jenny joined the LSC in August 2001, with a brief to co-ordinate emergency strategies to assist Herefordshire and Worcestershire's rural communities recovery from the impact of foot and mouth.

She brings with her a wealth of experience of the food and drink sector.

Jenny has also been involved in tourism at both local and national levels and with the Heart of England Tourist Board's Food and Drink in Tourism Awards, as well as the annual Flavours of Herefordshire competition.