The former manager of Cheltenham's Beechwood Shopping Centre has been named as the new boss of Gloucester Quays.

Owen Acland brings more than 20 years of experience in the retail industry to his new post of centre manager of the Quays having worked in Cheltenham and Oxford.

He has already got to work in one of the busiest weeks the centre has each year with the Tall Ships festival bringing more than 200,000 visitors to Gloucester's Docks.

Gloucestershire-born, Mr Acland still lives in the area despite his most recent appointment being running the Templars Square development in Oxford.

He said: "It's great to join the Gloucester Quays team at such an exciting time, with the 10th Anniversary celebrations and Tall Ships and Adventure Festival during my first week.

'Having worked in Gloucester before but more recently in Oxford, it's great to be back.

"Gloucester Quays is such a fantastic venue which continues to evolve, and I am really thrilled to be joining the team on the journey as we take the centre forward with exciting new opportunities."

In his previous role he was named Centre Manager of the ear for his work helping to secure planning for the £60million Oxford Templars Square development.

And now he is looking forward to getting stuck into his new role and continuing the work that has seen the Quays post record profits and footfall figures in the last year.

"I'm looking forward to being a part of the exciting summer programme at Gloucester Quays that will truly make the centre a stand out visitor destination over the coming months," he added.

"Watch this space for some exciting announcements soon."