A Norfolk council has selected a local businessman as the head of a £20m investment project.

Jo Pearson, of Pearson Group, will lead the delivery of the investment as part of the Long Term Plan for Towns scheme, which was announced in chancellor Jeremy Hunt's spring budget.

Breckland Council said it required a "significant local figure" who is "non-political" to lead a new board charged with overseeing the delivery of the investment, which will be released through instalments starting in 2025. 

The group will be made up of community leaders, business people, representatives from local government and the local MP.

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Mr Pearson, who ran waste management company Pearsons for many years, said: "I am honoured to have been appointed to the role of Thetford town board chair.

"Many across Thetford will know me or they will know my family business, having been central to the Thetford business community for over four generations.

"I am looking forward to putting my passion for Thetford into action, bringing together new board members, defining our priorities, and allocating investment in the town, over the coming years."