HUDDERSFIELD'S Pack Horse shopping centre has a new manager.

And his first major task will be to help traders boost sales in the run-up to Christmas.

Leicester-born David Heathcote-Smith, 38, has 20 years experience in retailing.

He was a store manager with clothes firms Next and Austin Reed before becoming an area manager for fashion chain Leading Labels, where he was in charge of 15 out-of- town stores across the UK.

Mr Heathcote-Smith, who now lives at Oakes, was appointed by the centre's managing agent, FPD Savills in Manchester.

The Pack Horse Centre, which includes catalogue shop Argos, Peter's Fashions and newsagent Dillons among its 49 tenants, is owned by UBS Triton Property Fund.

Mr Heathcote-Smith said he was looking forward to his new role.

He added: "Huddersfield is a really strong `shopping town'.

"It has got a lot going for it.

"The Pack Horse Centre is very busy, but we are looking at ways to increase income further with special events, including Christmas entertainment."

Mr Heathcote-Smith also said he was confident of finding tenants to take three vacant shop units, as well as first-floor space which was formerly used as a fitness centre.