Agricultural equipment dealership Burden Bros Agri has appointed a new managing director.

The company, which has outlets near Sittingbourne and Ashford, as well as Uckfield in East Sussex, has appointed Michael Read to the role.

Formerly its finance director, he takes over from one of the firm's founders, Dale Burden. Mr Burden now becomes a managing partner.

Mr Burden plans to remain heavily involved with the Agri business and will spend more time with customers going forward.

Burden Bros Agri provides John Deere tractors and equipment alongside a range of other agricultural and turf related machinery.

Mr Burden explained: "My brothers and I believe that the time is right to change the structure of our management team for the next phase of our development. Consequently, I am delighted to announce that Michael has been promoted to the position of managing director. This will enable me to step away from the day to day running of the business and to focus more on the opportunities that lie ahead.”

Mr Read has been involved with the business for nine years - much of it as a member of the management team.