He's completed six tours of duty with the British Army, built up his own business and published a string of books.

But helping to guide the future development of Attleborough is sure to throw up some new challenges for Chris Batten, who just been appointed chairman of the Attleborough Development Partnership (ADP) board.

Mr Batten, 58, said he was delighted to take up the position, which follows a recruitment process run by Breckland Council.

Mr Batten, from Hemsby, said: 'I am delighted to join the ADP and look forward to supporting the partners to co-ordinate growth in Attleborough, with the needs of local residents and businesses in mind.'

Mr Batten spent 13 years in the army where he served, among other things, as a combat survival instructor, and now runs a brand development business.

He is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce in Norfolk and the Norfolk Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development committee.

Mr Batten has written three books, is a member of the Hemsby Lifeboat, and has lived all over the world, including in the USA and Germany.

Mr Batten is taking over the chairman's role from Tim Mills, who led the group on an interim basis.

The position has an annual salary of £5,000, and the position description said he would be expected to commit '12 and 20 days' a year to the role.

The ADP will have two sub-groups - a community sub-group and another to focus on planning and infrastructure.

The board, which does not have executive decision-making powers, will look at a proposed road link between London Road and the busy B1077 to the town's south.

The board will also consider improvements to Attleborough town centre, and the expansion of infrastructure and services needed to cater for the 4,000 new homes planned to be built around the town by 2026.

Mr Batten will chair an ADP meeting to take place on February 21 from 2pm at the Attleborough Town Hall.

At the meeting, board members will discus matters including a planning application for a 'sustainable urban extension' of the town.

Members of the public are invited to attend and ask questions.