The newly-appointed director of Tenby's De Valence Trust hopes to regenerate the facility by promoting it as a pro-active arts centre. "I am looking to traditional acts, theatre, musicals and concerts, as well as putting it on the tour ciruit for bands and club promotions," Darren Knipe told the Observer this week. In addition, Darren, who has been appointed by the De Valence Trust, will be setting up a gallery balcony, where he hopes to have art installations, including sound and sculpture. "This is a venue for both holidaymakers and the local community," continued Darren. "I am very excited by the chance to promote and show off what is so great about Pembrokeshire and Tenby itself." Originally from Bournemouth, Darren, who moved to Wales in 1990 and studied economics at Aberystwyth, hails from a family which has connections in the entertainment world. Darren's father worked under Lou Grade for ATV in the 1950s and '60s, sound directing the 'Oh Boy' show and also working on shows such as Thunderbirds and The Muppet Show. He was also nominated for an EMMY award in 1972 for video tape editing. Darren's sister, meanwhile, was married to record producer, Gary Lyons, who produced for acts like Elton John, Doobie Brothers, Grateful Dead, UFO and Foreigner. Between 1997 and 1998, he worked for Pembrokeshire Social Services as a project worker for the visually impaired, during which time he helped set-up social groups around the county, including forming the Pembrokeshire VIP (Visually Impaired Persons) Club. In 1996, Darren did his first show in Aberystwyth Arts Centre under the name 'Module8' and two years later he designed a new training concept in entertainment. This was presented to Pembrokeshire College and is still running today under the course name 'Entertainment Technology and Music Technology'. In 2000, the course was entered into a national competition and out of 150 colleges came second in the Times Education Supplement Award for Innovation. In 2001, Darren took on an historic music hall in Swansea known as 'The Palace', which has now been running as a night club for nearly two years. Individuals and groups interested in hiring the De Valence are asked to contact Darren on 843568.