A THEATRE school in the Isle of Man has appointed one of the English Speaking Board's senior assessors to act as a consultant.

Wendy Sutcliffe will begin working with Gale Force at the end of this month and will help to prepare students for senior English Speaking Board examinations.

She will work alongside Barbara Gale the founder and director of Gale Force.

Mrs Gale said: "We are extremely fortunate and delighted that an English Speaking Board assessor of Wendy Sutcliffe's calibre - and one who is so much in demand – has agreed to share her knowledge and experience exclusively with Gale Force.

"She will be visiting the Island to work with us at least three times a year and more often in the run-up to exams and competitions.

"Wendy's passion for encouraging young talent combined with her specialist skills in the spoken word will be of exceptional value to our senior students.

"For my part I am proud to know her not only as a consummate professional but also as a dear friend. At a time when she could be taking things more easily in retirement Wendy has generously chosen to help these gifted young people achieve their ambitions and, in so doing, she will be contributing to Gale Force's reputation for excellence."

Mrs Sutcliffe, who lives in Shropshire, attended Gale Force's recent Christmas concert at the Erin Arts Centre where she met with students and parents.