The North East's leading Peugeot dealership has appointed a new director to its team as it plans growth in 2014.

Simon Bailes Peugeot has appointed Bridget Charlton as marketing director, a promotion from her role as marketing manager. Charlton joins Simon Bailes and Julie Kirby on the company's board of directors.

She has worked at Simon Bailes Peugeot, with headquarters in Northallerton and dealerships also in Stockton-on-Tees and Guisborough, for more than a decade and is responsible for the company's marketing, including its online presence, branding, events, public relations, culture and IT.

As a result, a new marketing role has been created with Lesley Thornburn joining Simon Bailes Peugeot as marketing coordinator. Thornburn will be responsible for developing the company's digital activities including a new website, digital used car remarketing and social media.

Managing director Simon Bailes said: "As a constantly growing business, we must have the right leadership team in place.

"We've strengthened our board of directors as we move forward into a development phase which will see us work hard to not only increase our retail sales but also work on growing our fleet department.

"I have a very dedicated  team that I am so proud of and our staff turnover is very low compared with the rest of the sector. It is an exciting time for our business and I am delighted to welcome our new director to the board."