THE new manager of a Northallerton opticians and hearing care branch is the youngest in the company’s 170-strong community network.

James Wright, aged 22, was promoted to the role at Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care in High Street after joining the company last July as a sales advisor at its Bishop Auckland branch.

He said: "I’m delighted to be given this opportunity in Northallerton. I’ve been warmly welcomed by colleagues and customers and I’m looking forward to getting to know more people in the town."

A former fashion student, Mr Wright added: "I enjoy customer interaction and delivering personal customer service. I like to help people find the right frames that they like and which will give them more confidence."

The Northallerton branch was formerly known as The Hearing Company prior to optical services being introduced in June 2014.