HAMPSHIRE public relations firm McKenna Townsend has appointed account executive Lucy Bridgewater and office manager Rose Metcalfe to its 14-strong Ringwood-based team.

Lucy joins from Webline, part of the Capita group - her first job after graduating last year from Southampton Solent University with an honours degree in public relations and communications.

Lucy's new role at McKenna Townsend PR will see her working on a number of clients across the agency's portfolio, including The National Lottery and national consumer PR activity for the Subway sandwich chain.

Rose joins from Bournemouth Council for Voluntary Service, where she worked for the past two years as an administration and information officer.

Rose will provide the team with office support in all areas of the agency and attend to daily administration tasks.

Sarah Townsend, co-managing director of McKenna Townsend PR, said: "We welcome the enthusiasm they have brought with them."