A KEEN fisherman has hooked a new role in the property industry.

Andrew Holmes said he was "delighted" to be the new head of residential sales at Armistead Barnett's Cumbria office, in Kirkland, Kendal.

A professional member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, Andrew has gained a wealth of knowledge over 22 years in the county's property industry.

Two years ago he was elected as a member of the National Association of Estate Agents.

Andrew will specialise in individual, period and country houses in the Lake District and part of the Yorkshire Dales, offering advice on buying and selling all types of rural property, including farms, barns, land and development projects.

Armistead Barnett described Andrew's approach to work as "one of preparation, accompanied by being thoughtful, sensible and polite".

The company said he would offer clients "the highest professional standards" of honesty, integrity and customer service.

Outside work, Andrew is a keen fly fisherman for trout and salmon and enjoys mountaineering in the Lake District, Snowdonia and the Scottish Highlands.

He plays for his local cricket club, Cartmel, as an all-rounder, and during the winter season enjoys skiing at the Glenshee and Nevis resorts.

Hannah Towers, agency partner at Armitstead Barnett, said: "We are excited to appoint Andrew and warmly welcome him to the team. His years of expertise in the sale of both higher-end property and land will further strengthen the team at our Cumbria office in Kendal.

"Being a chartered surveyor specialising in agency is rare, yet a perfect fit for our firm.

"Andrew exudes Armitstead Barnett values and we very much look forward to him working with the team.”

Andrew said: "I am delighted to be joining such a well-respected firm with traditional values and a forward-thinking approach and I am looking forward to providing a truly tailored, professional service to our clients."