A Gloucestershire charity has today announced a major appointment at the top of the organisation.

After more than six years of growth and development, OPENHouse CEO Dr Claire Mould has decided to move on to take an appointment as CEO of a Bristol charity.

She will be replaced in September by David McAuley, who is currently chief executive of The Trussell Trust, the national foodbank charity.

Dr Mould said "Over the last six and a half years we have restructured, rebranded and reviewed at a time of considerable change to the voluntary sector in Gloucestershire.

"My passion for OPENHouse has never diminished and it has been an honour to move the charity to a place where it is ready to move to the new level and I couldn't be more thrilled to move on to another organisation doing great work.

"I know David McAuley is a brilliant leader and I can't wait to see how he moves the organisation forward."

OPENhouse, which was founded in 1978, enables young people and vulnerable individuals in the Stroud district and across Gloucestershire to discover their potential through building a community where they can live, relate, learn, work, get support and find their next step in life.

This is achieved by providing housing, enhanced support, development and learning opportunities and links to volunteering and employment experiences.

Through a strong community based model, OPENhouse provides each individual with a tailor-made, flexible programme that directly meets their specific needs.

Mr McAuley said he was looking forward to taking on the new position at OPENHouse.

"After nine incredible years at The Trussell Trust I've made the decision to step down as CEO and take on a new role with OPENHouse, Stroud," he said.

"I am truly excited about this new challenge working with vulnerable young people and am looking forward to building this new chapter in my life.

"I'd like to thank everyone for the well wishes and leave behind a legacy that changed the lives of thousands of people all across the UK."