BOURNEMOUTH'S buzzing digital industries have drawn a PR professional with more than three decades experience.

Philip Dewhurst has joined local firm Darren Northeast PR as a non-executive director, bringing more than 30 years professional experience gained at London-based firms and in international PR campaign.

His résumé includes communication campaigns for the British nuclear industry, the Russian gas industry and the rail transport industry in the UK.

These campaigns have taken him all over the world, from Europe and the USA to the Middle East and Japan, but Mr Dewhurst said Bournemouth was the place to be for a PR professional.

"A prime location to do business, the greater Bournemouth area is increasingly attracting larger businesses, corporates and new digital enterprises," he said.

"As a result, I believe Bournemouth has the potential to develop as a centre for PR excellence in the UK."

Mr Dewhurst is past president of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, past Master of the Company of PR Practitioners and Freeman of the City of London.

The firm's managing director Darren Northeast said: "We are thrilled to have Philip join the team.

"His presence and experience will help us to continue to expand, achieve new levels of professionalism and gain new clients from across the UK.

"It’s certainly an exciting time for our agency."