Carlisle-based H&H Group has announced the appointment of a new non-executive director.

John Leveson, who lives near Penrith, retired from his role as deputy chief executive of Cumberland Building Society in October 2014.

Mr Leveson moved to Cumbria 22 years ago following his appointment to the building society's board and for a large part of this time, he was responsible for the society’s branches and estate agency offices across Cumbria, South West Scotland and North Lancashire.

He is also a former governor and director of Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Penrith. Following his retirement, he was appointed as a non-executive director of a building society in the Midlands and is also a volunteer driver for The Fellrunner community bus service.

Mr Leveson said: “I look forward to working with my new colleagues, to identify opportunities, and to contribute to the future success of the group."

Richard Rankin, chief executive of H&H Group, said: “John is a highly respected businessman and I am delighted that he has agreed to join us.

"His experience further broadens and strengthens the board, particularly in terms of his financial expertise and his knowledge of corporate governance. Given his past roles, he brings a huge amount of value to our business.”

H&H Group operates as a holding company, with seven operating companies encompassing livestock and machinery auctioneers, valuers, chartered surveyors, property and estate agents, auction rooms, commercial printers, graphic designers and insurance brokers.