AN expert in coasts and beaches has been given the job of bringing new life to Barry - both the resort and the town centre.

The Vale of Glamorgan Council has appointed Cliff Nelson as the new town and resort manager for Barry.

He will be working alongside Steve Barrett, who has been town and resort manager for Penarth since 1998.

"I am looking forward to working with Steve to co-ordinate events and improve and promote the attractiveness of both town centres and resorts," said Cliff.

"This includes the running of Barry Town market and other similar activities, helping to ensure that towns and other tourist destinations in the Vale continue to be attractive places to visit."

Cliff, who attended school in Barry, graduated in systems engineering at the University of Portsmouth and read for a masters degree in coastal management at Cardiff University.

He obtained a doctorate in coastal science from the Open University and worked on a number of research projects at the University of Sydney, Australia, and at the University of Algarve, Portugal.

He was a research consultant and lectured part-time at the University of Wales Institute Cardiff, specialising in beach management and research methods.

Cllr Mike Harvey, the Vale's Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Leisure, said: "The addition of another specialist town and resort manager demonstrates the council's commitment to providing quality local services.

"Cliff has already secured television interest in the area, with the filming of an episode for a new sitcom starring Jasper Carrott, to be shown in March. This is an excellent example of the Vale's effort to work towards developing the economy."

Cliff and Steve are based in the Directorate of Environmental and Economic Regeneration at the Docks Office, Barry, and can be contacted on 01446 704731/704679.

Further details about the authority can be found on the council's website - www. valeofglamorgan.gov.uk