A LEADING Hampshire wildlife charity has appointed a new director.

Dr Paul Jose joins Wessex Chalk Stream and Rivers Trust in October.

He has a strong academic background in river and floodplain management and 25 years experience in delivering water-related environmental projects, having held senior management roles in the public and charitable sectors.

The Trust will continue its important work on the development of catchment plans for the Test and Itchen and Hampshire Avon catchments, as well as its many in-river projects.

Trust chairman, George Seligman, said: “I am delighted to welcome Paul Jose as Wessex Chalk Stream and Rivers Trust’s new full-time director and I look forward to expanding the trust’s activities with him.

“Our current director, Tom Davis, will be standing down. Tom has directed the Trust on a part-time basis from its inception to now, and has built an excellent foundation for its future development. We are very grateful for all he has done for the Trust. He leaves with our best wishes for the future.”

Dr Jose said: “I am delighted to accept the role of Director with the Trust. I am looking forward to working with our partners and excellent team to build on the firm foundations put in place by Tom”.