Richard Caborn, minister for sport, has announced the appointment of four new members to the Football Licensing Authority (FLA) board.

The new members – Brendon Batson, James Dickie, John Garner and Julie Summerell – joined the existing board of six members on 8 January. However, two members – Jan Wright and Trevor Hobday – will retire later this year.

Caborn said: “I am very pleased to have been able to appoint such a strong body of expertise to the board. Collectively, they bring vast knowledge and experience of managing large-scale public events and venues. I believe they will bring valuable guidance to the FLA as it continues to ensure the vital safety of football spectators.”

The FLA ensures that all spectators are able to attend sports grounds in safety, comfort and security by monitoring local authority inspections of spectator safety at international, Premiership and Football League grounds. Details: www.culture.gov.uk