Bridport Arts Centre (BAC) has announced the appointment of Laura Cockett as its new director following the departure of Polly Gifford.

Joining from Hope Street Limited in Liverpool where she was projects producer, Laura said she was ‘delighted’ to be taking up the position after great success heading up the ‘On the Verge’ festival and the ‘Suitcase’ railway station performances in her previous role.

Laura said: “The arts centre’s an exciting venue with an ambitious and varied cultural offering for the people of Bridport and beyond. I am looking forward to working with the team to further develop an inclusive artistic programme that connects with local people and ensures that the arts centre continues to offer people the highest quality cultural experiences.”

Laura follows in the footsteps of Polly Gifford who left her post as director at the end of September to take up a post leading the cultural regeneration of Hastings.

Barry Bates, new chairman of the trustees at BAC, said: “We are thrilled at this appointment. Polly did a fantastic job as director and the high reputation of the arts centre reflects the high quality of what we offer at the arts centre.

“The trustees were determined to appoint a worthy successor.

“Out of a strong field Laura shone out as the outstanding candidate.”