Bowling lanes operator Ten Entertainment named Graham Blackwell as interim chief executive officer on Tuesday, effective immediately.

Ten Entertainment said Blackwell, currently the group’s chief operating officer, would replace current CEO Duncan Garrood, who will step down from the board and leave the business, earlier than previously announced.

In terms of recent trading, the AIM-listed group added that initial trading at its 42 recently reopened sites had been “very encouraging”, was building week-on-week and already proving to be cash generative.

Interim chairman Nick Basing said: “I’m delighted that trading has begun so encouragingly. This is a function of the widespread consumer appeal of our offer, the quality of our operating estate and our strong leadership team. Under Graham’s direction, I am confident that we will return to our trajectory of growth in sales and profitability.”

As of 0915 BST, Ten Entertainment shares were up 8.13% at 138.13p.