STAGECRAFT, the Salisbury lighting, sound and stage specialist, has appointed Paul Harte as its hire manager.

Mr Harte is responsible for the hire department and will work closely with Mike Naish, technical director of the newly merged live events and hire departments.

A trained electronics engineer, Mr Harte has worked on a freelance basis for the last two years.

He brings to Stagecraft a wide range of experience from within the industry, ranging from sound and lighting design and installation to service management.

Mr Naish has worked for Stagecraft for 17 years and was previously production manager for the live events department.

Mr Harte said: "I am delighted to have been appointed as the new hire manager and I look forward to working with Mike and the team.

"As a department hire has always worked with local events such as Salisbury Festival and over the next few months we will be working with event organisers, schools, community groups and amateur dramatic societies on small and large hire projects, and also business meetings and conferences."

Mr Naish said: "The newly merged live events and hire department will continue to offer local, national and international businesses and organisations a complete creative production service.

"As technical director I will be responsible for all operations for the new department and I am looking forward to the challenge of working in this role."