A LYDNEY firm which manufactures coach, bus and railway interiors is spearheading UK and international expansion with three senior appointments.

Lydney Products managing director John Rook said: "Lydney now has a board with the combined strength to move the company forward and achieve the goals set for our future."

John French has been appointed as non-executive director, corporate development, Andrew Bullock joins the firm as finance director and company secretary, and Tom Chaloner has also joined as a non-executive director.

John French has had a successful career in industry and the city, having developed his own marketing communication business with clients including Jaguar cars and British Gas.

Andrew Bullock has more than 30 years' experience in corporate and business finance and was previously finance director at Britax Vega. Tim Chaloner is a senior investment manager with Midland Growth Capital, the venture capital arm of HSBC and a key investor in Lydney.

John Rook said: "Lydney has been instrumental in developing new technologies for the manufacture of interior systems for the bus, rail and fast ferry markets for the last five years.

"These new appointments will augment our strong existing management team with a view to further expansion.

"I am delighted that we have been able to attract such a wealth of senior talent to Lydney."