CLYDEBANK Co-operative has appointed its first ever female chief executive as re-structures its retail operation and looks to build its funeral business.

Fiona McInnes, who had been deputy chief executive since 2011, moved into the role in an interim basis after her predecessor Robert Sider departed last year.

Her appointment was ratified by the board of directors earlier this month but she has already overseen the reopening of the group's department store in Clydebank.

Ms McInnes said: "Clydebank Co-operative is returning to its core values of providing the communities in which we operate with the goods and services they want at affordable prices, and excellent customer service.

"It's still early days for the department store but we're confident that we are providing a much-needed service for local people who know and trust the Clydebank Co-operative name.

The group has five convenience stores around Clydebank and Glasgow, supplied by wholesaler JW Filshill.