A BUSINESSMAN with a keen interest in ecology and the environment has been appointed chairman of the Brogdale Horticultural Trust, near Faversham.

Peter Waine, 52, replaces Bill Croydon who has stepped down.

Mr Waine, who has served on the main boards of several public limited companies of various sizes, is chairman of the Tree Council and co-founder of the London Ecology Centre.

He is a member of the International Cricket Council and has held previous positions with the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, the Confederation of British Industries, the European Business School and other accredited business institutions.