A well-known local businesswoman has been appointed as a director of a major Cumbrian firm.

Lynne Mallinson is a new non-executive director to the board of H&H Group, based in Carlisle.

Lynne has a lifetime’s career working in business and lives near Penrith.

She is currently commercial director for local Lake District-inspired dessert company, Classic Desserts.

At the age of 22 she became one of the country’s youngest female bank managers. She then went on to set up and run her own multi award-winning business - Country Puddings.

Richard Rankin, chief executive for H&H Group, said: “As an organisation with number of different business interests it is important that we have a board which has deep understanding and knowledge of our customer base and how to remain relevant and relate to them.

"Lynne has run her own successful company for many years and uses her expertise to help others, whether in the business environment or for charitable organisations.

"I have known her for many years, and I am delighted she has agreed to join us as her specialist skills in strategy, marketing and planning will be an invaluable asset, and will dovetail and complement the skillset and specialist knowledge of our other committed board members.”

Lynne said: “Living in a farming community all my life, it is a company that I have grown up with.

"In taking up this role I hope that from the experience and knowledge I have, I can make a valued contribution.

"My aim is to add value and in particular, to share my knowledge of business growth and marketing.”