Jo is well qualified for her role as she has a degree in architecture, an MBA and 20 years' experience in regeneration projects.

She has been tasked with building on Melton's strengths, such as its food and drink heritage, and will be looking at ways of developing the night-time economy, particularly for families and visitors, and equestrian tourism.

Jo will be supporting the drive to establish a Business Improvement District (BID) to help regenerate the town centre and is part of the team working on the new council HQ and redevelopment of the cattle market.

In addition she is involved in the Future Jobs Fund project which will see 30 long-term young unemployed work on various environmental schemes in the borough and the Wheels to Work project, which helps young people access employment.

Jo said: "There's a lot to do but these are exciting times for Melton. Things like the BID can really meet the needs of local businesses and help lever in additional funding."