RICHARD Foster has been named as the new chief executive at the Brewery Arts Centre.

Mr Foster is the general manager of the World of Beatrix Potter and Old Laundry Theatre at Bowness and will take over the top job at the Kendal arts centre in February.

He succeeds Sam Mason, who left the Brewery in October to become director of Trading and Estates for Edinburgh University Student Association.

“The Brewery is the most amazing place, wherever you look there are exciting and inspiring things happening,” said Mr Foster.

He added: “I’m delighted and honoured to lead the team that will move the Brewery forward into an exciting future.”