A DIRECTOR from West Malling has become the country's first Master of Business Administration

in wine management. Matthew Russell , of Town Hill, received his qualification from Baron Philippe de Rothschild, sponsor of the course at the Bordeaux Business School in France, last month.

He said: "The course was really hard work because I had to fit the studying into a hectic full-time work schedule. However, the end result was well worth the effort and I am particularly proud to be the first Briton to gain an MBA in wine."

The 29-year-old is commercial director for Sussex-based Beams UK Ltd, a large independent supplier of wine and spirits to stores. He said: "To achieve our aims, we will require sound financial, marketing and strategic management, all of which areas were covered by my MBA."

Mr Russell was among 12 students taking part in the inaugural year of the course in Bordeaux, who came from as far afield as New Zealand, Korea and Lebanon.