IT'S been a busy year for Judith Armstrong.

Not only has she become the new principal of Basingstoke College of Technology but she has also been elected chairman of the Basingstoke area committee of the North Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Mrs Armstrong (pictured) said: "The area committee members are keen to get the chamber and themselves recognised as an influential group representing businesses in Basingstoke.

"The local economy and issues facing Basingstoke companies will be the number one agenda item."

The committee has three new members. They are Anthony Head of accountants Windsor Head in Basingstoke, Ian Squires of Skilz UK, also in Basingstoke, and Peter McGeehan of Peters & May in Southampton.

Other members of the committee are Janet Davies of Kempshott Inns, David Evans of solicitors Lamb Brooks, Sheila Glyn-Owen of Phillips Solicitors, Beryl Huntingdon of Absolutely Offices, Jim London of London Clancy, and Tim Wills of the Haymarket Theatre.

They are all Basingstoke-based business people.