WELL-KNOWN local businesswoman Karen Morledge has joined the advisory board of Passion for Somerset Community Interest Company (CIC), which encourages people to take a pride in the county and all it has to offer.

Founder of her own marketing and PR agency, Morledge & Co., Karen has worked with a wide range of businesses across the county, including managing the former Minehead Business Improvement organisation (BID), and is also on the board of Somerset Chamber of Commerce.

Karen joins the company’s board as Passion for Somerset is gearing up to celebrate Somerset Day on May 11 - chosen to mark Alfred the Great’s gathering of ‘all the people of Somerset’ to march against the invading Viking army.

As well as being behind Somerset Day, Passion for Somerset also runs the Pride of Somerset Youth Awards with Bridgwater and Taunton College - to be held on May 21 - and Karen has agreed to sponsor the event’s art and culture award.

"I have always been a long-term advocate for Somerset as a wonderful place to live, work, enjoy and do business, so I am delighted to join the board of this fantastic organisation," said Karen, who added that her family has lived in Somerset for many generations.

"With an exciting programme of events for Somerset Day, including The Wurzels, it is the perfect time for me to get involved and support its future ambitions." CEO and Founder of Passion for Somerset, Nigel Muers-Raby, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Karen to our board who all share a desire to champion our county’s heritage.

“I am already seeing her expertise in action as we head towards the Pride of Somerset Youth Awards and what will be our 10th Somerset Day.” For more information about Passion for Somerset and its work, visit www.passionforsomerset.com