TWO new members of Poole Harbour Commissioners have been appointed.

Martin Pate is a solicitor and managing director of MJP Law, a solicitors’ practice based in Dorset.

He started his career with the London Metropolitan Police and then the Department of Transport and Environment in London, working for several departments and agencies.

A former Commodore of East Dorset Sailing Club in Poole, Martin is a keen sailor and is qualified to RYA Offshore Yacht Master.

Tom Russell, who hails from a family of Poole fishermen, has been on the harbour all of his life.

He operates two commercial fishing boats from Poole and is the chairman of the Poole and District Fisherman’s Association and the local representative of the Fisherman’s Mission.

Poole Harbour Commissioners chief executive Jim Stewart said: “We are delighted to welcome Martin and Tom to the board, they will bring further skill and expertise to an already strong and experienced team of commissioners.

"Our strengthened board will help us to facilitate the continued growth and success of Poole Harbour."