AWARD-WINNING Tong Garden Centre has strengthened its team with appointments in People and Culture and Warehouse Operations.

Becki Smith from Bingley has been appointed to the newly-created position of Junior People & Culture Business Partner and Matt Kelly from Keighley has been recruited for the new post of Warehouse Manager.

Mrs Smith joined the team at Tong from Nuffield Health and will be responsible for supporting the Head of People and Culture in attracting, retaining, developing and engaging great people.

Of the move, she said: "I'm looking forward to creating an inclusive and positive workplace for all, by living and breathing Team Tong's Values. I strongly believe if you have the right team you are capable of anything, and the results will follow."

Mr Kelly joins the team from an e commerce company and will be responsible for strategically managing the warehouse operation and team. He said: "I am very much looking forward to working with a great new team, building strong, trusting relationships and making a contribution to bright future of Tong Garden Centre."

Of the appointments, Head of People and Culture, Neil Barwise-Carr said: "We're delighted to welcome Becki and Matt to team Tong. They have joined us at an exciting time in Tong's development as we plan to make further improvements to the centre to drive future growth and make Tong an even better place to work."

When she's not working, Mrs Smith enjoys spending time with her family and travelling and Mr Kelly enjoys walking his German Shepherds, reading and spending time with friends and family.

Tong Garden Centre is one of Yorkshire's biggest garden centres with 110,000 square feet of retail space and parking for up to 1,000 cars.